Neil and Suzy Sharwood’s kids: (from the left to right) Bradley, Luke, Damon, Amy, Thomas, Roy and Rachael (absent). Photo: Supplied.
Every Saturday during winter, you can see a Sharwood down at Dickson Playing Fields.
There is the father, Neil, who is busy setting up the fields at the crack of dawn. His wife Suzy is helping coordinate age groups and cheering on teams. Their oldest son Thomas helps pack up at the end of the day, while Roy, Luke, Damon, Bradley and Amy are all kitted up, either playing for their respective teams or refereeing some of the younger ones’ games.
The Sharwood family has been with Majura FC for the past 10 years, since Thomas started playing at the club.
“We were living in Hackett and the club was just across the road,” Neil said. “Our oldest son started playing first and then the rest of the kids followed.
“It is a great club because there are people there like Bob and Rhonda Parkin. Bob is down there on Saturday mornings, setting up the fields so by the time I get down there at 5:30am, he has already been there for an hour.
“The club is just a really good community and it keeps getting better and better every year. It is like a football family.”
Inspired by Bob and Rhonda, Neil and Suzy have always encouraged their kids to lend a helping hand to the club whenever they can.
“It’s good for the kids to help in the community,” Neil said. “A lot of people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. I have always encouraged the kids to be involved, whether that be refereeing or helping pack up the ground.”
Majura FC president Kurt Petrunia said the Sharwood family truly reflected the club’s values.
“Neil and Suzy and their kids are all involved in some capacity with Majura FC and are long-time volunteers with the club,” Kurt said.
“Neil is at the grounds every Saturday morning before the crack of dawn to set up fields and you can find Suzy at the grounds every Saturday cheering on.
“The Sharwoods are always willing to lend a hand, they are generous and caring people with a great sense of humour and optimism. They are an asset at our club and we hope to have them around for several years to come.”
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