WA Football Commission

Narelle Scott named Volunteer of the YearTuesday, August 29, 2017 - 8:12 PM

Congratulations to Narelle “Scotty” Scott, who has been recognised as the Lynette Smith Volunteer of the Year for 2017.

Narelle has been involved with East Fremantle Women’s Football Club for the past ten years and has been an integral part of the clubm, female talent programs and promotion of the League. Her endless commitment to our game is recognized by all those that know her, with the most recent example being when Narelle took on the role of EFWFC Vice President despite having a newborn at the time.

While in the Vice President role, Narelle mentored the new Treasurer (her role before Vice President), coordinated the 30 Year Player Reunion and Supporters Day, coordinated a fundraiser that raised $4000, organised all Team Manager resources, liaised and presented to the East Fremantle Football Club on female football, and was always available whenever the Club needed help.

Narelle has been a member of the EFWFC since 2008 and for the past 10 years has been an active participant both on and off field. Narelle played 116 games, was Captain of the reserves side for two seasons and was part of the leadership group multiple times. When joining the sharks in 2008 Narelle quickly put her hand up to take on the role of Volunteers Officer, a role that coordinated the duty roster and other volunteers including player duties. From there Narelle became the Treasurer in 2009, and a member of the EFWFC Executive. She is the only continuous member since this time.  When Narelle took on the role of Treasurer, East Fremantle was struggling across various financial aspects.  Narelle spent a great deal of time in the early days looking back over receipts and bank records to develop a budget for the club and to ensure that sponsors and fundraising became an integral part of the club.

In 2009, the EFWFC was offered the opportunity to run the canteen at the East Fremantle men’s home games.  Again, Narelle put up her hand and volunteered to run the canteen at every home game while also coordinating the other players to assist this venture. This initiative provided the women’s team with a strong revenue stream that assisted in buying a new uniform and equipment, her efforts ultimately led to Narelle being awarded the EFWFC Club Person of the Year that same year. Narelle’s fundraising efforts have continued across the years including Quiz Nights, Supporter Days and this season’s Bogan Bingo event, with one Quiz Night Narelle coordinated raising the clubs’ record of over $10,000!

Outside of EFWFC, Narelle also volunteers her time within the wider football community through her roles with School Sport WA (SSWA), as an AFL School Ambassador and on District Football Councils. 

Narelle became the Team Manager for the State Schoolgirls team in 2012 and has continued in this role for the past 6 years.  While the State Schoolgirls team is run by SSWA, this program has been a key driver in the development of current Roger’s Cup players and future WAWFL stars.  In this role, Narelle has developed relationships with many key stakeholders in the WAFC, Junior Clubs and WAWFL clubs.  Narelle has promoted girls transitioning from school football to WAWFL clubs by ensuring girls are aware of player pathways. Narelle also now volunteers her time as a member of the SSWA Management Group where she is able to promote female football.

As a primary school teacher, Narelle completed training to be recognised as an AFL School Ambassador in 2009.  While Narelle has promoted AFL during work hours to her students, she has also volunteered her time across South Fremantle and East Fremantle to promote female football and increase participation. 

In 2010, Narelle coached a group of Primary School Students in an after school Junior Girls program and in 2011 assisted the South Fremantle District Officer to develop an after schoolAuskick Centre and volunteered her time as a coach during the running of the program.  Also when working in the South Fremantle District, Narelle was asked to take on the role of Female Football Representative on the South Fremantle District Football Development Council in 2011.

In 2016 Narelle volunteered as a member of the East Fremantle District Football Development Council as the Female and Senior Club Representative andsaw the introduction of a Junior Girls competition in the Eas t Fremantle District.  As part of her role on the EFDFDC, Narelle presented at the District Club Night on the growth and pathways of female football. Narelle also volunteered her time at a combined East Fremantle/South Fremantle football clinic for girls involving the Fremantle Dockers.  In 2017, while heavily pregnant, Narelle found time to attend the first ‘Come and Try day’ for girls which included Junior Clubs in the East Fremantle District and the EFWFC. 

Volunteers are a hugely important part of every sport, and we are thankful for every volunteer that positively impacts our League. The WA Women’s Football League would like to thank Narelle Scott for her tireless efforts across the past ten years in all aspects of female football. The WAWFL, in particular the East Fremantle football family, are lucky to have such a dedicated, passionate and committed member. It is with pleasure the WAWFL recognises ‘Scotty’ as the Lynette Smith Volunteer of the Year in 2017.

The Lynette Smith Award is awarded for outstanding volunteer service to the West Australian Women’s Football League. The Lynette Smith Award is named in honour of one of our longest serving and dynamic volunteers.  Lynette is both a Life Member of the WAWFL, and a Life Member of the East Fremantle Football Club.