Paul Davison
In 1981, Paul started playing football at the University of Canberra club (then the Canberra College of Advanced Education football club) beginning a life-long affiliation with the organisation spanning playing to administration.
In 1981, Paul started playing football at the University of Canberra club (then the Canberra College of Advanced Education football club) beginning a life-long affiliation with the organisation spanning playing to administration.
From 1982 to the present day, Paul has served on the board in every role and has been president of the club since 2005. As president, he leads the club with passion and commitment, stepping in when there is another job that needs to be done.
His commitment to the club has been unrivalled and he has always promoted players to not only enjoy playing football for the club, but to also look to strengthen the social side of playing community sport.
“I have known Paul Davison for over 30 years through my association with UC Pumas (formerly known as CCAE),” said Arnie Van Hintham who provided the supporting statement to this most worthy of recipients.
“Throughout that time Paul has been the most influential person within the club in his role as player, coach, mentor, treasurer, and for many years as President.
“He has always led the club by example. He has always been consistent in explaining and reinforcing the importance of understanding the meaning of being a member of a club and responsibilities that come with that.
“He has always been very supportive of all teams within the club whether you are part of the highest, lowest, women’s or master’s team.
“Paul was the main reason that I have never considered playing or being involved with another club. During his time with the club, he has always put the interest of the club and football (soccer) in general ahead of his own.”
In his 40 years at the club, Paul has coached countless teams and invested immeasurable hours, in all of Canberra’s varied weather conditions, playing, coaching, and supporting UC teams at Canberra soccer grounds.
He has guided teams to numerous minor premierships and grand final victories at the senior, reserve, and youth level in both the Premier league and State league competitions. Paul’s greatest personal highlight was winning the 1987 Federation Cup.
Outside the UC Football Club, Paul served on the Capital League committee from 1983 to 1985 and was also a member of the inaugural Premier League committee in 1986.
He was assistant coach with Tony Fushca in winning the annual ACT/Illawarra challenge in 1987. Paul also supported local community development by managing the ACT under 15’s at the national championships in Adelaide in 1987.
In 2018, he has worked with Adrian Bellingham, to create the Bellingham Cup, a major club event and fundraiser for the Centenary Institute. This event was created after the sudden and unexpected death of one of the club’s players.
Paul has given most of his adult life to football in Canberra and to the club he has seen go through three changes from CCAE FC to the UC Pumas and now as the UC Stars and shows no signs of slowing down.
