By Casey OÇonnor
Ballandean Football club stalwart Neil Newman has been honoured for his years of commitment taking out the 2022 Darling Downs Service to Football Gold Award.
A humble Newman said he was shocked when his name was announced.
“I was actually completely surprised to have been nominated for the award, let alone win it,” he said.
“I am honoured to receive the Award, but I feel part of it belongs to Chook (John) Williamson and Alan (Butch) Taylor.
“They were the backbone of the Ballandean Club forever and were the people who encouraged me as a young bloke to become involved in the Administration side of the club.
“If it wasn’t for Chook and Butch, I would never have been so involved.”
Newman also paid tribute to Steve McEvoy and Frank Arcidiacono from whom he received a lot of advice and insight as a football coach over the years.
While the Award may have come as a surprise to Newman it was no surprise to those who know his commitment and history with the Ballandean Football club.
Neil has contributed significantly on the field over many years as a player and as a coach, in addition to being responsible for coordinating financial support through grants and fundraising.
Newman’s journey began as a 10-year-old when he began playing football or soccer as it was known then in the Stanthorpe junior competition. He first played for the Ballandean club as a 14-year-old and has been involved ever since.
He not only played but has been actively involved in the administration of the club for many years. “I have been Secretary, treasure president and vice president asl well as a player, coach,” he said.
What Neil failed to mention was the hundreds of hours he has put in doing all the extras that come with being involved in the club.
Newman has also been very active with Stanthorpe Football and has served as President and Secretary.
His contribution to the Ballandean Club and Stanthorpe Football earned him life membership of both organisations in 2017.
When asked what was the biggest thrill of his playing career that spanned many years, Newman referred to a period in the 90’s when the Ballandean club played several seasons in the Toowoomba competition.
“We, (Ballandean) made the semi finals in the competition for three successive years,” Newman said proudly.
“It remains one of the biggest thrills in my playing career.”
With such a long commitment to the sport how does he see the future of the game on the Granite Belt.
“It is very solid up to Under 14’s,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, the seniors and ladies struggle.”
Things don’t end with receiving this Award. All regional winners in the Community, Service to Football and Referee categories are automatically considered for nomination for the State Awards within their category.
Newman is heading off to the Football in Queensland Awards night on October 28 at a function at City Hall where the Queensland winners will be announced.
