A GRETA Branxton FC volunteer has been recognised as the Female Administrator of the Year by Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) as part of rebel Female Football Week.
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Originally a netballer, Lauren Fairfull got involved in the game as a fan-turned-player at the age of 19.
And, in recent years, she has taken on numerous and various roles as a volunteer and administrator including being the uniform sales coordinator, club registrar, secretary and even coach and organiser of all the ALDI MiniRoos competitions, gala days, club fundraisers and events.
Amazingly, she still finds time to continue playing.
Fairfull has been instrumental in both gaining Greta Branxton FC in the National Club Accreditation Scheme and also the Hunter Valley Club of the Year award in 2016.
But, she says it's the club that has gifted her with incredible experiences as well as improved her skills while being an administrator at the organisation.
"My netball playing daughter went to a school football gala day and came home wanting to play weekend football," Fairfull explained.
"So, I sent my husband down to register her to play at our newly-moved town, Branxton, knowing he would be a proud soccer dad.
"Somehow, he came home as a registered player as well, turning Saturdays into a family football event.
"Nine seasons later, we are more heavily-involved as each year goes by.
"We feel a sense of belonging to this club and want the club to achieve its best potential.
"I have gained many skills that can even be used in work situations, become a stronger person and leader and gained many friendships - all from football.
"Having a club to belong to is very important for people and this contented feeling of belonging to a community sporting group has helped shape who I am as well."
Hunter Valley Football operations manager Sarah White highlighted Fairfull's devotion, dedication and application she's given to football in the region and says she has been such a driving force behind Greta Branxton.
"Lauren is a fantastic club person, secretary and administrator," she added.
"Greta Branxton FC is run proficiently and efficiently with her being a key driver behind club administration and policies.
"She's such a positive influence for the club and their community.
"Lauren proudly wears many differing hats for the Wildcats - from secretary and player, through to coach, match day coordinator, ground official and ALDI MiniRoos Kick Off coordinator - just to name a few.
"Her experienced and level-headed approach around running a community football club is one that has earned her a notable and reliable reputation with Hunter Valley Football, as well as fellow club administrators throughout the zone.
"We congratulate her for being the very deserving recipient of this award."
Having been an incredible contributor to local football through her administrative work, Fairfull also encouraged others to be a part of their organisation to help build the game, particularly females who she says add so much to the game.
"Without getting involved in admin, my life would not be the same, nor would many others," she confessed.
"Players and families need a sense of belonging to a community group and a sporting club helps them achieve this.
"Female administrators usually bring an extra depth of communication to the position, which in turn, improves the overall experience of football for all players as well as clubs.
"The great friendships I have gained from doing club admin is most consistently a best moment that will last a lifetime.
"Get involved. It's worth it."
