COOTAMUNDRA is home to many sporting greats and Annette Parkinson will join the figurative wall of fame as the 2015 Australia Day Sportsperson of the Year.
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Soccer is her forte and Parkinson’s passion for the world game is strong both on and off the field.
Parkinson’s sporting ability was recognised by Football Wagga in 2014 as she received the inaugural Goalkeeper of the Year award.
She also received the Cootamundra Strikers Presidents Award; a coveted prize within the club.
As a first grade coach, volunteer at Strikers events, referee and goalkeeper her versatility and reliability is thoroughly valued by club members.
Coaching a female team is no meagre task, and last year Strikers first grade manager Bec Philpott was astounded by Parkinson’s patience and persistence.
At Jubilee Park on Monday, Australia Day ambassador Rick Timperi conveyed that determination and passion is key to sporting success and after two decades in the sport Parkinson’s love for the sport grows stronger each year.
Parkinson, taken aback by the Australia Day award, had few words to say.
“Thanks, it’s a surprise, thanks,” she said.
It was, indeed, a surprise, as her relatives and friends didn’t let her in on the secret.
Parkinson went to work at 6am on Monday morning with no intention of attending Australia Day celebrations.
Her husband, Andrew, convinced her to come along, “I told her the kids had never been to the Australia Day breakfast and they really wanted to go,” he said.
Parkinson was surrounded by friends, all impacted by her commitment to the local soccer club.
Three teammates from 2014 including Mrs Philpott, Janine Ricketts and Kristen Leak agreed that they couldn’t think of a more worthy award recipient.
Her approach to the sport is “professional but lighthearted” according to the award nomination form and she is “always available whenever needed.”
Clearly women’s soccer is alive and well in Cootamundra, with Parkinson’s award and a groundswell of interest in the game from new players.
More than 25 women have said they will play for the Strikers this season; enough for two teams.
Pre-season training has started and Parkinson said that she’s excited to see new players in the mix.