Volunteers on the ball
Local
Two members of South Australia’s Catholic community have been recognised in the South Australian National Football League Community Volunteers Awards.
Port Pirie Diocese priest Fr Steve Ardill won the 2025 Community Umpire Service Award and St Mary’s Memorial School teacher Tristan Sharrock was a finalist in the Teacher of the Year Award.
Fr Ardill has been a longstanding contributor to community football as an umpire in regional South Australia.
His involvement spans more than 40 years as an umpire but in this time has also served as the coordinator/coach for several regional leagues including Riverland and Western Eyre.
Through these roles he has helped attract more people to umpiring, while developing their skills and building and maintaining close relationships with clubs.
“Steve has such a pleasant and welcoming demeanour, cutting a professional figure that embodies everything umpiring is about,” the judging panel said.
Tristan was described as a “passionate and transformative leader” who has completely reshaped the football culture at his school.
Before the Physical Education teacher’s arrival in 2025, St Mary’s had low football participation and rarely engaged with SANFL initiatives.
Tristan introduced a full Auskick program, entered both boys’ and girls’ teams into the Gather Round School Competition, and registered teams in SANFL school competitions, putting St Mary’s firmly on the football map.
Tristan’s strong connection to the Glenelg Football Club has created opportunities for his students, including training sessions on Glenelg Oval and involvement in pre-match and half-time activations at home games.
Tristan said it was really special to be recognised alongside so many other passionate educators who contribute to growing the game of football across the State.
“For me, the real reward comes from seeing my students out there smiling, laughing, and developing healthy habits,” he said.
“Hopefully, the lessons our students learn through sport help them stay active and curious not just now, but for life.”
