ONE of Tamworth’s longest serving sports club presidents, Alf Small, has been recognised for his passion and tireless work with the Sportsman’s Warehouse Community Sports Award.
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Small founded the Hillvue Rovers back in 1969 when players that he coached at Tamworth South Public didn’t have anywhere to play when they went to high school and has been serving as president ever since.
Over those 47 years Small has seen a lot of football, and seen the game change drastically both locally, domestically and internationally, although his fondest memories are still alive today and happen every year.
“I have seen a lot of players and games and get a lot of enjoyment out of it,” Small said.
“But the most pleasure I get is watching the young kids enjoying it and coming through the ranks.
“I still have blokes from the two original U13 teams pulling me up and saying hello down the street.
“That is what it is all about.”
During his reign as president, Small has seen the club go from those two original sides to fielding upwards of 20 sides in a season across all age groups and levels of competition, although the halcyon days of the 70s and 80s are still warming memories to the stalwart.
“We won a couple of State Cups and a few other cups in the 70s and 80s,” Small said.
“In 1978 and 1979 we won every age group from U6s through to first grade seniors. That was 19 Hillvue teams that won the competition.”
He also witnessed the club win nine straight first grade titles in the 1990s, and still to this day cuts and supplies the halftime oranges for many sides.
“I have seen a lot of changes and a lot of interesting coaching decisions through that time,” Small said.
“I have also seen a few orchards worth of oranges.”
The club has also called many grounds home including Belmore Park, Cross Park, Taminda and the Minor League Fields and Small has worn several other caps during his time as he fought and continues to fight to bring the sport to its peak.
Small was part of the original Tamworth Soccer Federation, he was also on the grounds committee and served as registrar, president of Tamworth Soccer, secretary, a judicial official, referee and competition committee.
“A lot of water has flown under the bridge in that time.”
“It is nice to be recognised but mostly it is about the kids enjoying it and getting out and playing.”
Anyone who thinks they might know a contender for the monthly Sportsman’s Warehouse Community Sports can nominate them in the store on Peel St.
