Robert Nicols at Capital Chemist Wanniassa
Woden Valley Soccer Club’s Referee Coordinator Robert Nicols has been recognised for his decade long service to the club, named June’s Capital Chemist Volunteer of the month.
Described as a great teacher for the club referees, Nicols was nominated for not only the work he does on the field but the countless hours put in behind the scenes.
From working on administration, organising referees for matches, helping with pitch allocation, to coaching junior referees, Nicols plays an integral role in Woden’s match days.
“It’s a great honour, I’m quite thrilled about it,” Nicols said.
“I wasn’t expecting it and I have to say it doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s the club members and president Mark [Mowbray-d’Arbela] and everyone else involved that makes it all come together.
“We work as a team to make it all happen. I’m very happy to be acknowledged.”
After a few years volunteering with Tuggeranong United, Nicols moved to Woden in 2011, his love for the game never waning.
“It’s a lot of fun, you don’t always enjoy it on those cold, wet, windy mornings, but once you’re out there on the ground, most often it’s a beautiful sunny day and it’s just a great way to spend a Saturday, out in the fresh air helping young people do their thing and watching some great football along the way.
“Seeing some of the young referees enjoy what they’re doing or seeing them go onto the elite pathways is really rewarding,” he said.
President of Woden Valley Soccer Club, Marc Mowbray-d’Arbela said he is grateful for Robert’s insight and knowledge about the third team.
“If we don’t have the referee’s assistance, we don’t have a match, Mowbray-d’Arbela said.
“it’s absolutely critical that we have leadership for the referee’s coordination and that’s what Robert brings, he brings great knowledge, insight.
It’s absolutely critical that we have leadership on the park, like we do with Robert and it’s absolutely no surprise about the nomination, pointing out the amazing contribution that he makes, because we’re lucky enough to see it every weekend.”
the time, have a look around helping people set up pitches, helping the referees feel supported, how everyone can do their role well so everyone can go home happy. Dealing with any critical incidents that pop up from time to time.
The Capital Chemist Volunteer of the Month nomination form can be found here.