Hunter Valley Football Association is pleased to announce Stewart Thrift as the 2021 recipient of the Phyllis Avery Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Football.
The Phyllis Avery Award is an esteemed Award intended to appreciate a HVF Member Club or Individual for outstanding service to the game of Football.
HVFA Executive Michael Akrill and Operations Manager Sarah White presented the award to the inaugural recipient, Stewart Thrift at Miller Park last Saturday. The award was to be presented in late 2021, however lockdown restricted this, and a current season of wet weather has seen numerous dates rescheduled until now.
Thrift has been involved with Greta Branxton Football Club since 1969. Some fifty years later he is still playing for the Club. Over that time Stewart has played a massive 50 seasons out of 53 for the Wildcats. A testament to the love Stewart has for the game and his Club. To play in the Club’s inaugural year in 1969, the Club’s 50th anniversary year in 2018, and to still be playing in 2022 is an amazing achievement.
In 1994 Thrift was awarded Life Membership with Greta Branxton FC for his longstanding commitment to the Club. Nearly 30 years later he is still doing more than ever and is currently the Club’s longest standing active Life Member of the Club, an accolade that will be hard to surpass.
Thrift has been the Club Registrar for the past 9 years and is a good sounding board to his son, the Club President. His passion is for the Club and the Miller Park facilities to continue to grow and move forward for both Juniors, Seniors and the local Community.
2022 sees Stewart playing season ‘50’, one he would not miss as his youngest grandchild would be joining the Club and his son Luke would be eligible to play Over 35s with him. Three generations of family all playing at Greta Branxton FC. There wouldn’t be many footballers who have played so many seasons and are still so passionately dedicated, actively involved and dedicated to their Club half a century on, as Stewart Thrift is.
Stewart has given outstanding service to Greta Branxton FC and to the game of football in general, particularly to Hunter Valley Football Association. His years of outstanding voluntary contribution are incredible and are inspirational to many.
Hunter Valley Football Association, in honour of Phyllis Avery, took great pride in announcing Stewart Thrift as the inaugural recipient of the Phyllis Avery Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Football.
