Football NSW’s State Dinner was held on October 29 at the Liverpool Catholic Club in what was a fantastic celebration of community football.
It was a memorable evening for grassroots football identities across NSW in an event that was put on ice for two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Football NSW Directors and Life Members all came together to recognise and acknowledge the elite few who have provided consistent and invaluable service at the community level.
State Award winners are nominated by their Association in recognition of their tireless efforts and service to football in their local community.
State Awards formally recognise individuals who have provided consistent and valuable service at any level – Club, Association, Branch or State.
These contributions may include services such as: committee member, coach, manager, match official, canteen manager or grounds person.
Football St George nominated Peter Mallios for the 2022 Football NSW State Award. Peter and Sokratis (“Sok”) Mallios are the only two brothers from the same Association to have both been awarded the Football NSW State Award.
Peter is the current long serving President of Carlton Rovers Football Club, one of the St George Football Association Inc. Member Clubs. Peter has held this leadership position since 2007 and has overseen remarkable success at the Club, both on and off the field. He proudly received his Life Member status in 2020 on the back of his 25 years’ service to the Club.
On the night, referee Theo Dracopoulos also picked up the inaugural Future Leader Award, a new category added to the State Dinner presentations.
The Future Leader Award recognises an individual, aged between 16 and 25, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to football at any level of the game (club, association, branch, or state).
Theo lives in Bombala, NSW near the Snowy Mountains and travels an hour to coach young referees and train them.
READ MORE: Irene Hatzipetros: The fearless leader of the St George Football Association.
