FNSW Directors, Life Members, local Football Association representatives, and special guests all came together to recognise and acknowledge the elite few who have provided consistent and invaluable service at community level at last weekend’s FNSW State Dinner.
Football St George (“FSG”) would like to congratulate Leo Blanda for winning the FNSW State Award.
State Award winners are nominated by their Association in recognition of their tireless efforts and service to football in their local community. State Awards formally recognise individuals who have provided consistent and valuable service at any level – Club, Association, Branch or State. These contributions may include services such as: committee member, coach, manager, match official, canteen manager or grounds person.
Leo Blanda has been an integral figure at Ramsgate RSL FC, serving as Club President since 2014 and contributing significantly to the Club’s success and development, particularly in promoting female football. His leadership has helped transform the club into one of the most progressive and inclusive football clubs at FSG. Leo proudly received his Life Member status in 2023 for his service to the Club.
Leo and his management team’s dedication to growing female football is commendable. Under his leadership, Ramsgate RSL FC was one of the first clubs at FSG to establish a Senior Vice President for Women and Girls Football. This initiative sparked the steady rise in female participation, resulting in the formation of numerous Non-Comp Female-only teams and a significant increase in female registrations. Leo was instrumental in relocating Ramsgate RSL FC to their current home at Scarborough Park East, working closely with FSG and Bayside Council to secure facility upgrades, including new canteen facilities, re-turfing, and an irrigation system. These efforts have ensured that the club’s members enjoy improved facilities, fostering a positive environment for football development.
Leo is a hands-on leader who consistently demonstrates his dedication to the club. His weekly contributions include line-marking, setting up fields, coaching multiple teams, and even manual labour to ensure the fields are in top condition for games. His tireless work has been complemented by the club’s 80 registered volunteers, whom he has managed and motivated. Leo’s leadership has strengthened the community spirit of Ramsgate RSL FC.
Notwithstanding his position as a long serving Club President, Leo has contributed and provided valuable counsel to the successive FSG Board including his contribution as a member of the Board Advisory Committee and has also dedicated his time and expertise by assisting in matters before the FSG Disciplinary Committees.
As a highly respected Association Delegate and Member amongst his peers in the St George Football community, Leo’s dedication over the years has simply been enormous and invaluable and is very much a worthy recipient of the Football NSW State Award for the St George Region.
-ENDS-
