2023 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award

SANFL is pleased to announce Elliston’s Chad Fleming has won the 2023 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution to grassroots community football.

 Chad was presented with his award before approximately 300 people at the SANFL Community Football Volunteer Awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval on Friday night which recognised the tremendous contribution of dedicated volunteers at their local football club or league throughout the State in 2023.

Involved with the Elliston Football Club in multiple capacities spanning nearly 20 years, Chad was instrumental in the survival of the Elliston Football Club when it faced an uncertain future in 2021.

In his role as President, Chad played a major role in the merger of Elliston with Western Districts and the new club’s subsequent move to the Great Flinders Football League.

Just 12 months later, Elliston Districts Football Club played off in the 2022 A-grade Great Flinders Football League Grand Final and is now thriving in fielding all four teams this year, including the Mini Colts, who qualified for the 2023 title-decider.

“We were left in limbo a bit and there were people within both clubs who were passionate about keeping footy in our towns, so that’s how the alliance came about,” Chad told SANFL.com.au.

“I know the wonderful benefits of having footy and sport in the community, so it was just about doing my bit to keep things ticking over.”

Now in its seventh year, the Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided outstanding voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

Hostplus Chief Executive Officer David Elia said Chad was a great ambassador for the tens of thousands of dedicated and passionate volunteers right across South Australian community football.

“On behalf of Hostplus, I congratulate Chad on this outstanding achievement and offer him, and all the volunteers who sustain grassroots football in South Australia, my sincere thanks,’’ Mr Elia said.

“Hostplus is proud to support this award and recognise the important contribution these hardworking volunteers make to enable community football games to go ahead, week after week, right across the state.”

As has become tradition, Chad was awarded the David Shipway AM Medal and the title of SANFL Hostplus Volunteer of the Year. He was presented with the award by David Shipway, who is SANFL’s Community Football Ambassador.

In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Chad also has won the following prizes:

• A one-night stay for two people at Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale, including a three-course dinner and breakfast. The winner also will be provided with the use of a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style during their stay
• Two x Ultimate Football Memberships, including reserved seats to all AFL home games at Adelaide Oval (excluding finals) in season 2024, valued at approximately $1,600
• A $200 e-gift voucher (prepaid Mastercard), courtesy of the AFL