HE has been the face of junior football at South Gambier Football Club and the Limestone Coast Football Netball League (formerly the Western Border Football League) and on Friday night Adam Salmon was recognised for his tireless efforts, named the SANFL Volunteer of the Year.<\/p>\n
Salmon received the David Shipway AM Medal from the man himself, who is a longstanding football administrator and SANFL Community Football Ambassador.<\/p>\n
Salmon was presented with his award in front of more than 300 people at the SANFL Community Football Volunteer Awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval on October 31, which recognised the tremendous contribution of dedicated volunteers at their local clubs or leagues throughout South Australia in 2025.<\/p>\n
Salmon\u2019s association with South Gambier Football Club dates back to 1993, playing more than 350 games before transitioning into administration roles with the club, where he is now the South Gambier Football Club Junior President and Auskick Coordinator, and the inaugural Limestone Coast Football Netball League Junior Football Director.<\/p>\n
In these roles, Adam has been the driving force behind countless initiatives, all whilst supporting his three children in their own football journeys.<\/p>\n
Adam has not only given his time as a junior coach, but he\u2019s also led and organised numerous club fundraisers and provided life-changing experiences for local juniors.<\/p>\n
He was one of eight finalists shortlisted for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award, with nominations coming from all around South Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteering can be tough but it\u2019s nights like tonight, hearing the stories of people that\u2019s inspiring. I read all the bios of the other nominees for this award, and I was really inspired,\u201d Salmon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy motivation from the very start was being involved in my kids\u2019 football and it\u2019s just evolved and grown from there and I get great joy out of seeing the impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Salmon has taken the lead in restructuring and facilitating the transition of juniors from the former Western Border Football League to the newly restructured Limestone Coast Football Netball League and it is just one example of his dedication and commitment.<\/p>\n
In every role he takes on, Adam\u2019s selflessness and determination have made a lasting impact on football in the region. His work continues to strengthen his local football community and embodies what it means to give back to footy in a voluntary role.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can assure you that South Gambier has given me more than I have given in return,\u201d Salmon said.\u201c Being involved in junior football and seeing the positive impact that I can have on a young person\u2019s life is a real highlight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now in its ninth year, the SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided exceptional voluntary service to community football in South Australia.<\/p>\n
SANFL executive general manager Matt Duldig congratulated Adam on his incredible achievement and acknowledged the accomplishments of all the Volunteer of the Year finalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of SANFL, I congratulate Adam on this incredible achievement, along with the other seven outstanding volunteers who were finalists for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award,\u201d Mr Duldig said. \u201cVolunteers are the lifeblood of community football around the state, and we must celebrate them for all that they do.<\/p>\n
\u201cImportantly on the night we were also able to recognise a range of other volunteers for their incredible contribution to our game and our congratulations and appreciation goes to every one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Adam has also won the following prizes:<\/p>\n
– One night of accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale, including a three-course dinner and breakfast.<\/p>\n
– Two Ultimate Football Memberships, including reserved seats to AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2026 at Adelaide Oval.<\/p>\n
– A $200 e-gift voucher (pre-paid Mastercard), courtesy of the AFL<\/p>\n
Among the other volunteers recognised on Friday night was Jamiee Millard of the Victor Harbor Football Club who was awarded The Hospital Research Foundation Group Young Leader of the Year award.<\/p>\n
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID MARIUZ (SANFL)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HE has been the face of junior football at South Gambier Football Club and the Limestone Coast Football Netball League (formerly the Western Border Football League) and on Friday night Adam Salmon was recognised for his tireless efforts, named the SANFL Volunteer of the Year. Salmon received the David Shipway AM Medal from the man […]<\/p>\n