The Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) have awarded its President Matthew Brady with a life membership at the association's Annual General Meeting.
Like many other volunteers, Mr Brady commenced his football journey when his children signed up to play football with Bonnet Bay Football Club over 20-years-ago.
Beginning as a manager of his children's teams, then a sponsor of the club, he eventually moved to the Bonnet Bay Committee, eventually serving as Vice President and then President.
In his spare time, Mr Brady has also filled the roles of Referees Coordinator, BBQ Coordinator, Council Liaison and Grounds Coordinator for Bonnet Bay - where he is also a life member.
He commenced his service to the SSFA as a Judiciary Committee panel member.
Following this, Mr Brady joined the SSFA Executive Committee for several years before leaving in 2012 to become President of the Sutherland Titans Football Club (a club that specializes in catering for players with special needs).
While the founders of the Titans had developed a wonderful concept, some administrative expertise was required to "steady the ship" and put them on the path to the outstanding success that they continue to enjoy, today.
Mr Brady returned to the SSFA Executive Committee in 2014, becoming the SSFA Vice President in 2015 and 2016, then President from 2017 to present (being re-elected two weeks ago for 2022).
His contributions across two important clubs, as well as the association, his engagement with the footballing fraternity, and commitment to bettering the sport, as well as the community, has seen Mr Brady also received merit awards from the association (2012) and Football NSW (2019).
He oversaw the past two COVID-19 effected years, but through his leadership and dedication, football in the Sutherland Shire remained resilient
Mr Brady has been involved in the grassroots development of the association, from the perspective of players, to mowing the grass, along with input and passionate involvement across all aspects of amateur football.