WA Football Commission
Inaugural Mathew Nicholas memorial game Thursday, May 21, 2015 - 8:58 AM
This Sunday the Mount Lawley and Claremont women’s football teams will start a new tradition as they take the field to play in the inaugural Mathew Nicholas memorial game.
In a fixture that is forecast to take part on an annual basis, the memorial match looks to take place the first time the Mount Lawley and Claremont teams meet each season, in memory of ex-Mount Lawley coach Mathew (Mat) Nicholas.
Mat was the Mount Lawley Reserves coach for the 2014 season and was highly committed to the women’s team, constantly pushing the players to reach their best and strive for excellence in their football.
The memorial round partners with the Claremont WFC as Mat played Colts football with the Claremont Football Club. Committing himself to the higher tier of football saw Mat in a successful program, winning two premierships with Claremont before returning to his beloved Mount Lawley Amateur Football Club.
Mat was a sporting man to say the least and was skilled at most sports he tried. His love of football was evident through his commitment to MLAFC, playing in multiple premiership teams and being awarded a life membership for his dedication to the betterment of the club.
When the Mount Lawley women’s team found themselves in need of a new coach at the end of 2013, Mat stepped up and took on the role without hesitation. After having been involved with the team in an assistant capacity throughout the season, it seemed an obvious choice for the man who loved to try something new and challenge himself.
After embracing the head coach role, Mat’s position saw him become friends with many of the players, transferring his own passion to the women and encouraging them to give the game everything they had.
In what seems to be a fitting celebration, this year’s fixture also coincides with what would be Mats’ 40th birthday week, with much of the WAWFL community celebrating his birthday today, 21st May.
The WAWFL celebrate a fantastic initiative started by both the Mount Lawley and Claremont teams to celebrate someone that always gave his all to female football and wish the players involved the best of luck.
The game will take place at Claremont Showgrounds at 12.00pm, after Youth Girls at 10.30am.
