YOUNG Lions Soccer Club continues to thrive in the Football Wagga Wagga (FWW) competition after taking out top honours at the recent annual awards night.
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Mark Mellish, David Brouwer and Elouise Hawkey were among the award recipients on the night who had caught the eye of officials and clubs throughout the season.
First grade men’s coach Mark Mellish was named Coach of the Year for the Pascoe Cup - the third time in his five year coaching career he has received the award.
Prior to this year, Mellish had also received the award while competing in the Bathurst District Football competition in 2010 and 2012.
“Coaching how I give back to the game – due to injuries I am not able to play at the standard I want to so I decided to coach instead,” he said.
“And it is one of the better things I have done.
“Unfortunately, with injuries and availability, this season has not gone to plan but I still strive to get the best out of my players and improve the profile of YLSC - and the sport in general - in the area.”
Also making his mark in the Pascoe Cup is Brouwer who was named in the Team of the Year for his consistent performance throughout the season.
Brouwer has been described as a complete player - one who defends well, attacks when he has to, and possesses an uncanny ability to read the game.
Young Lions Soccer Club president Paul Cameron said the defender was a worthy recipient of the award.
“Dave deserves all the recognition he gets - he has been a wonderful asset for junior and senior soccer in Young,” Cameron said.
“He’s a real club person and a very valued member of the community, but also the YLSC, and he deserves all the awards that come his way.
“He conducts himself in a wonderful manner on and off the field and is a good role model for all aspiring young soccer players.”
In the second grade women’s Madden Trophy competition Hawkey was named Player of the Year.
The recognition comes after a thrilling season in front of goal for the striker, and according to FWW president Erwin Buddee it comes as no surprise the award went to Young.
“The Madden is another thing altogether - Young have been outstanding in that competition,” he said.
“Extremely strong at home, they travel very well and it doesn’t surprise me that Young had not only a nomination in that category but won that award.
“Young winning the awards shows how much they’ve contributed to the local comp in Wagga, and we’d be extremely pleased to see them stay on next year and, who knows, possibly defend some titles!” Buddee said.
