Rohan Blee is a Ultimate Volunteer Reward nominee for the work he does with the KINGSWAY Football Club
Camera IconRohan Blee is a Ultimate Volunteer Reward nominee for the work he does with the KINGSWAY Football Club Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

Rohan adds more life to club

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

The 26-year-old thought there was so much more to sporting clubs than what happened on the field.

‘I believe socialising is the fabric of a club,’ he said. ‘The whole team benefits when players are enthusiastic about being involved and getting to know each other.’

As a nominee for the Ultimate Volunteer Reward, a search being run by the Department of Sport and Recreation and Community Newspaper Group, Mr Blee is among many WA volunteers aged between 15 and 30 who work selflessly to improve sport and recreation opportunities in their local communities.

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‘I joined the club as a player in 2011, but after a while I was looking to be more involved than just rocking up and putting on my boots,’ he said.

Inspired by his work in local government as a club development officer, in 2012 Mr Blee nominated himself as president of the Kingsway Players’ Association.

As well as generating revenue from fundraising initiatives and club events, Mr Blee said the club atmosphere had become more welcoming and vibrant.

Run exclusively by Mr Blee, the players’ association raised about $5000 in 2012.

He said his hard work and dedication had been worth it when the club was able to afford a team trip to Kalbarri last September. ‘The most rewarding experience was to put my feet up and enjoy a cold beer with some of my good mates,’ he said. ‘It was the only pat on the back I needed.’

Mr Blee said he would encourage all people involved in a sporting club to put their hand up and volunteer a few hours of their time.

– Nominate a top volunteer at your sport and recreation club and be in the running to win a VIP look at some of our top sporting teams.Nominate at dsr.wa.gov.au/reward. Entries close March 8.