One of Doveton’s most dedicated grassroots footy volunteers has been declared a Champion of the Code.

Gabrielle Williams MP nominated Trevor ‘Toddy’ O’Donnell for an award at a special reception at Government House to pay tribute to the hard-working volunteers who make local footy tick.

Mr O’Donnell will join fellow Champions of the Code from all over Victoria to watch the 2016 AFL Grand Final Parade, before taking in the NAB AFL Under-18 All Stars Match at Punt Road Oval, and then lunch at one of the Grand Final live site pop-up restaurants.

Volunteers are the backbone of our grassroots footy clubs. Every game, at every level, needs a tribe of dedicated volunteers whose passion for the game makes it happen.

They are there every week marking the lines, carrying the oranges, staffing the canteen and taking the gate. Without them, footy wouldn’t be the great Victorian game it is, and young stars wouldn’t be reaching their full potential.

Volunteers like Toddy mightn’t do it for the recognition, but the Champions of the Code reception is the footy family’s way of saying thank you for the hours of dedication our volunteers give every winter.

There are more than 480,000 volunteers in sporting codes across Victoria. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government’s Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program contributes more than $25 million to support state sporting organisations, including for programs that help volunteers thrive. Our 2016-17 Victorian Budget includes a $60 million boost to build or upgrade sporting facilities across the state, which will encourage more Victorians to get amongst the action and embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams MP:

“We love our footy in Dandenong, and it’s people like Toddy who make the game the great experience it is.”

“Week after week, Toddy is there putting in long hours to ensure players, coaches and spectators enjoy the magic that is football.”

“Come rain, hail or shine, grassroots volunteers are the unsung heroes working away to make a real difference for thousands of lovers of football.”