To celebrate National Volunteer week we are highlighting some of our great AFL Queensland Volunteers.
Today, we introduce you to Kim Ridley from North Shore AFC
Kids: Harrison Ridley (10 years old) and Jackson Ridley (12 years old)
AFL Team supported: Brisbane Lions
Number of years volunteering: Four years
Why did you get involved volunteering?
To help lighten the load for other committee members and volunteers and to help make my kids and all children’s footy fun and enjoyable.
My husband Dave decided to have ago at training our Under 8s and I scored the Team Managers Role. This is our fourth year as Coach and Team Manager; moving up form 8s to Under 10s with our son Harry. From there I have been happy to help out wherever possible. Footy has always been such a central part of my family life and continues to be now in my own family.
What is your biggest achievement as a volunteer?
Recruiting for the 2013 Season and getting such healthy numbers in all our Junior Teams. I am also very excited about our Inaugural Jets Under 15s Girls Team and am very proud that we persisted in our efforts to get the team up and running. We now have a wonderful group of girls and families who are loving their Football and are a force to be reckoned with!!!
Tell us a bit about your day job…
Mmmmmm! I work with my husband in our business which is selling and designing Kitchens for Unit Developers in Brisbane. I do a lot of the paper work and do up files for each kitchen. I also do all the Bookwork for our Business. I have been an early childhood teacher for the past 20 odd years but at present am doing relief work at local Community Kindergartens on the coast.
I actually don’t often know what I am doing from one day to the next.
I also am just like all Mums running around after my two boys with school, sport and music. Not much time left over but what time is left I fit in as much as I can for our wonderful local footy club, The North Shore Jets!!
What keeps you motivated volunteering and in every-day life?
I love working with families and making them feel welcome at our club. Having happy families and children enjoying their footy gives me a buzz!
Favourite quote…
We love to work hard and play hard in our FAMILY!
Biggest inspiration…
My parents.. they are such beautiful people and have always given me such amazing support and guidance through my life. They have always taken an interest in everything their 4 children have done even into our Adulthood. They have been great role models to aspire too.
Signature dish in the kitchen…
Moroccan Chicken cooked in my Targine! But MKR’s Dan and Steph’s Nasi Gooring is up there as a favourite with the family at the moment!
Final words…
It is great to be part of such a young and exciting footy club. We are so lucky to have such a close footy community of families. The Jets Club is very special !
Nominations for the 2013 AFL Queensland Coach and awards close Friday 26th July 2013, and regional level winners are recognised at league level end-of-season functions. These winners also automatically become state level nominations.
The AFL Queensland State Volunteer and Coaching Awards Dinner is a highly prestigious event held in September, where all state level awards are presented.
The most prestigious award, AFL Queensland Volunteer of the Year, receives a once in a lifetime experience including 2 tickets to the 2013 AFL Grand Final with all flights and accommodation included and the opportunity to walk in the AFL Grand Final Parade which attracts 100 000 fans each year.
CLICK HERE to nominate
