Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce Rick Allen as the recipient of the 2021 Bill Turner Memorial Award for Services to Football.
The Bill Turner Award is a prestigious honour, given to someone who has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the game in northern NSW.
NNSWF Director Sarah Gray presented the award to Allen at Hunter Valley Football’s AGM last night.
Allen, the president of Hunter Valley Football, has devoted countless hours to the game in the Hunter having been involved at club administration and management level in the Cessnock area with various clubs since the early 2000s.
Allen joined the Hunter Valley Football Association Executive Committee as treasurer in November 2009 before he was elected president five years later.
During his time as treasurer, Allen was instrumental in organising Hunter Valley Football’s transition from volunteer operations to office administration and full-time football management. He continued HVF’s growth within the NNSWF structure by moving the Zone operations from a family household to rented offices in Cessnock in April 2014.
With member clubs’ approval at the 2006 AGM and with their ongoing support, Hunter Valley Football accumulated funds annually with the intent to purchase office space. Towards the end of 2020, Allen started researching local real estate opportunities for HVF and, with the approval of member clubs, managed the purchase of HVF’s new Kurri Kurri office.
In addition to successfully supervising Zone finances to the point where purchasing an office was achievable, Allen also implemented strategic financial administration to minimise the cost to general registration through efficiencies which he managed.
On becoming president, Allen oversaw HVF’s transition to being a leader of club administration and support. This was highlighted by HVF providing the first two clubs in Australia, Lochinvar Rovers FC and Thornton Junior FC, to gain Level 3 Accreditation as part of the National Club Accreditation Scheme, now recognised as five stars under the National Club Development Program.
NNSWF Chair Helene O’Neill said Allen was an outstanding candidate for the award given his business acumen and many years volunteering in the Hunter Valley football community.
“Rick has been a valued contributor to the football family of the Hunter Valley for more than two decades. He has been integral to Hunter Valley Football as well as our clubs,” O’Neill said.
“We congratulate Rick on adding his name to this prestigious award.”
Hunter Valley Football Executive Member David Willoughby said Allen’s contribution to the Hunter Valley football community was immeasurable.
“Rick has been an active volunteer and member of the Hunter Valley football community for more than 20 years. He has contributed to the management of football in the zone since joining the HVF Board in 2009,” Willoughby said.
“Rick’s contribution to the wider football community in the Hunter Valley is immeasurable at this time. He continues to rise to the challenges as is evident with his popularity in the Hunter Valley football community.
“During his tenure as Hunter Valley Football president, Rick has been an advocate for all facets of the game including but not limited to club and Zone volunteers, players, managers, coaches, referees and administrators.
“Rick has contributed significantly to the success of Hunter Valley Football over two decades and is very deserving of this award.”
