West Beach Parks - Coach or Official of the Year

David Thompson

West Croydon Football Club was faced with closing its doors in 2022 due to poor club membership, attitudes and culture. Within days of David’s appointment as Head Coach, he quickly went to work on improving the culture and supporting all football programs. This led to new sponsorships, new players and a renewed vision for the club. Despite many challenges including major back surgery, David lifted the Hawks from rock bottom to playing off in last year’s grand final. He inspired a complete transformation and reinvigorated the club within the space of 12 months.

Westfield West Lakes - Administrator of the Year

Jenni Cotter and Matthew Sherman

Jenni and Matt have been game changers for Western Little Athletics, growing the club from 150 athletes to now more than 400 members. The pair were able to secure sponsorships and grants to replace ageing equipment, install a new storage cage area and improve security measures. They have introduced a new ‘Team App’ to better engage with their members and continue to build key relationships with the City of Charles Sturt, Henley Sharks Football Club and local schools to expand their reach.

Adelaide 36ers - Club/Association of the Year

Powerblades Dragon Boat Club

Powerblades Dragon Boat Club were awarded 2022 SA Good Sports Club of the Year to recognise their dedication to positive change and building a healthy, family-friendly environment. Everyone is welcome at the club which supports a wide age demographic, members of the LGBTQI+ community and people from a range of backgrounds and upbringings. The club won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2022 State and Australian Championships and has nurtured more than 20 State representatives and had 3 members selected in the Australian Auroras team.

Active Inclusion - Champion Award

Break Back Tennis

Break Back Tennis is managed by Francy Kyriacou as an official peer support program of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and endorsed by Tennis Australia. It provides people of all ages and mobility levels living with MS the opportunity to remain physically active, network and have fun playing tennis while using modified courts and balls. On-court activities are followed by cardio tennis, lawn games and other social activities. Break Back Tennis celebrated its second birthday in 2022 and is touring a different club in Charles Sturt each month to raise awareness and offer the program to a wider demographic. Francy’s daughter Emi Pappas accepted the award in her honour.

Mayor’s Award – Lifelong Contribution to Sport in the City of Charles Sturt

Denis Brien from West Torrens District Cricket Club

Denis has been involved in cricket for more than 70 years in a variety of roles from playing, coaching and administration. He has coached at all levels across both male and female competitions, has sat on countless committees and served as Club President. Denis is the current club Historian and Chair of the Life Members Committee. Denis coordinated the Young Eagles Cricket Academies for 15 years with 4 former academy players currently included in South Australia’s State squad and two of his protegees representing Australia in the recent under-19 T20 Women's World Cup. Denis' charter has always been to develop the total person, so they are prepared for life and cricket.

Westfield West Lakes – Sports Volunteer of the Year

David Thompson

David’s efforts in reinvigorating West Croydon Football Club earned him the title of Sports Volunteer of the Year.

His ability to band people together and build meaningful relationships with the community has helped bring the club back from the brink and earn success on and off the field. After finishing runners-up in season 2022, the Hawks are out to go one better in 2023 under David’s leadership.