By Alesha Capone
MY WYNDHAM: Greig Donald has served as junior coordinator of the Tarneit Football Club for two years. He was also recently voted the winner of the Captains of Community campaign, by shoppers at Tarneit West Village.
How did you get involved in football?
The first year I got involved in junior football was when my son, who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD, started Auskick. I coached there for three years and last year was my last year there. That’s where I started my love of junior football, I’ve also done a level one coaching course.
In 2016, I brought my son down here (the Tarneit Football Club) to play football, and in 2017 I joined the committee and became the junior co-ordinator. The volunteer work that I do, I can spend 25, 30, 35 hours a week. I’m often down here at 6.45am on Sundays setting up. But it’s not a long day when you’re doing something which you love.
What do you enjoy about volunteering as the Tarneit club’s junior co-ordinator?
There are only about six of us on the committee, we all help each other, such as with the canteen, or setting up for the seniors. My son plays in the under-11s and he’s loving it. I suppose that’s why I’ve stuck with Tarneit and joined the committee.
It’s a very family-friendly club, welcoming and for all abilities. It’s about getting as many kids down here as possible. They may not all have done Auskick or had much experience playing football, but they can come down here and play and get better. It’s all about building a good juniors program.
One thing I noticed was the first time we came down, I just brought my son to play footy, I didn’t know how he would go with autism, but they were so welcoming. What I like most is watching the game and seeing the kids play, knowing that all your hard work in the background has led to this. To see that, to see the kids on the ground, all the hard work and time away from your family, it’s worth it.
Have you received any other awards, apart from the Captains of Community Program one?
I did get awarded Clubman of the Year (by Tarneit Football Club). I don’t do it for the awards, but it was good to get it. I was chuffed, because it means people recognise the work you do. You’ve got to have a love and passion for what you do.
