John was recognised as the zone’s volunteer of the year as well as for his 40 years of service to the Gloucester Scorpions.

John is one of the founding fathers of the club, helping establish it in 1976. He was named president of the club in 1987. He remains in the role today. He also served on the board of the Manning Soccer Association.

John is the co-ordinator for the local Gloucester football competition and was awarded life membership in 2009.

“I love to put back into the sport that has given me so much,” John said.

“I’ve been passionate about football since I could walk.”

He thanked his family and the Scorpions committee for their support.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the support from my family, they’re all involved with the game,” John said.

“The committee has been phenomenal this year.”

In his football tenure, John has seen massive changes to the way the game is played in the region.

“You could write a book about it,” he laughed.

He highlighted the involvement of parents and their support of their children playing football.

“We took a seven years and nine years squad to gala days and had all the parents come and support,” John said.

Another key change has been the skill level of players.

John said Gloucester and Barrington based players have produced an essence of professionalism from a young age, in the way they play and how they stack up against teams from metropolitan areas.

“I’m still a firm believer that you go and play the game and then shake hands before you come off the field,” John said.

John was a key figure in the creation of the Scorpions clubhouse.

The club has begun stage two of renovations to the ground which includes a concrete area for players. 

He said the canteen is the backbone of fundraising for the club to get the projects off the ground.

“The groundwork we’ve put in is rewarding us,” John said.