Sok Mallios and Keith Ward have been honoured with awards at the annual Football NSW state dinner.
The dinner, held at the Amora Hotel Jamieson in Sydney on Saturday night, saw 14 state award winners recognised for their efforts and service to football in their local community after being nominated by their association.
St George Football Association executive director and chairman Mallios was honoured for his almost 50-year association with football in the St George district.
Mallios has been battling leukaemia with his brother, Peter, accepting the award on his behalf alongside SGFA general manager Craig Kiely and the association’s directors.
Mallios has continued to contribute to the association despite his illness, providing counsel when required. His relative absence over the last 12 months while he has undergone chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants has seen many at SGFA reflect on his contribution to – and lifelong passion for – football in the area.
Starting as a player in the under-5s with Ramsgate RSL in 1971, Mallios went on to enjoy a fine playing career and has since been a coach, volunteer and administrator. Mallios has enjoyed associations with a number of clubs including Carlton Rovers and Sans Souci.
Ward has been a part of the Sutherland Shire Football Association for the last 56 years, enjoying a long bond with Cronulla RSL FC. He has dedicated himself to roles as a player, coach, sponsorship coordinator, committee member and president.
Ward is now active at the association level where he serves as vice president of the SSFA and chairs the SSFA appeals committee. He has also been responsible for the grading of 1200 teams as a member of the association’s grading committee.
Ward received a Sutherland Shire Football Association Merit Ward in 1985, the highest award available in the association. He also has a perpetual award named after him at Cronulla RSL FC, the Keith Ward Community Spirit Award, which is presented each year by the club.
Southern Districts Football Association president Andy Favaloro took out the major prize, the George Churchward Medal.