Anthony Blake
Whether he’s coaching Community League, managing a venue for the McDonald’s Kanga Cup, contributing at Capital Football’s strategic planning nights or wielding the tongs in the canteen, Monaro Panthers Junior League and U18 Girls coach Anthony Blake is the sort of volunteer that clubs dream of finding.
Anthony has been part of the Monaro Panthers Football Club for 13 years with his two children, starting in MiniRoos and progressing through to U18s. For the past eleven years, he has coached and managed Premier League and Community League teams within the club, and is also a member of the club’s Committee.
As the club’s Junior League Coordinator, Anthony works with the coaches and managers to ensure the smooth running of trials and grading, training and games, and to maintain a consistency of skill development through all teams.
For Anthony, volunteering with the club has been its own reward.
“At first I volunteered to help out so that things got done. Then I volunteered to spend more time with my kids and show them that you can do things for others without expecting payment or a reward,” he said.
“The truth, though, is that volunteering is its own reward. Spending time with like-minded individuals and achieving goals is what it’s all about.
“Being a volunteer can be a tough job. The hours can be long and the work tiring. But there is nothing else you can do that is more important than making a difference in someone’s life.”
