Often, those with the most to boast about are also the most humble: such is the case with Sandringham resident Lilian Hoskins, volunteer extraordinaire at the Ramsgate Rams Junior AFL Club.
Ms Hoskins has been volunteering with the Ramsgate Auskick program for over two decades, well after her own children grew up and left the club.
She coordinates 70-odd players aged four to eight, and prides herself on knowing all their names - something local resident Lee Hodge could attest to, claiming Ms Hoskins knew ex-players' names "even when they're all grown up and have moved on".
"She is an active club committee member and the club would be lost without her," said Ms Hodge of Ms Hoskins, who runs Auskick every Sunday morning and training on Monday afternoons.
Samantha and Andrew Kilpatrick, who are also involved in the club, said: "Lilian is outstanding, such an amazing lady and contributor to Ramsgate Rams Auskick and by association the broader Sydney South Auskick program.
I love imparting the love of the game to the young kids.
- Lilian Hoskins
"There would not be a single Auskicker or family that has come through Ramsgate club in 25-plus years that would not sing her praises, a better person and volunteer you will not find."
What does Ms Hoskins get out of it, the Leader asked?
"I love imparting the love of the game to the young kids," she said.
"I get satisfaction through seeing them having fun, and enjoyment out of the sportsmanship and seeing their skills develop, and you have friendships that develop with the adults, parents and the committee."
Ms Hoskins said it wasn't just about her, though: "There's no 'I' in team. I've got tremendous support."
"We're a very stable club and a well-run club and we've been so for a number of decades. The executive team has never questioned when we need extra footballs or 250 sausages for a sausage sizzle at the end of training - they've always been there to support the players and the community," Ms Hoskins said.
Ms Hoskins is this week's Leader Local Champion.
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Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
