Wonderful Ambassador for Football
By Lawrence Machado
It was a memorable night for Nepean Football Association president Frances Refalo when she was recognised for her sterling contribution to the game.
Frances, who has served the loyally over the years, received the prestigious 2021/22 Season Chairman’s Award at the Western Sydney Wanderers FC Medal Dinner.
The award, presented by WSWFC chairman Paul Lederer is presented annually to a Western Sydney person who goes “above and beyond” for their services to the club and to football in Western Sydney.
“I’ve been involved in football at community level for 26 years as a player, a coach and a committee member,” Ms Refalo said. “In my service to football I’ve made lifelong friends and met some of the most amazing people. Football is just another branch of my family, I love it.”
Ms Refalo, and the Nepean FA CEO, Linda Cerone, share the role of Volunteer Coordinators for the club, managing their 120 plus match day volunteers. “As the CEO of Nepean Football Association, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Frances for 20 years,” Linda said. “She’s a wonderful ambassador for football in our district. She has a generous, caring nature that ensures that she makes everyone feel like a worthwhile, valuable and welcome member in our sport.”
Nepean FA administers the game for the Hawkesbury, Penrith, St. Marys, and Blue Mountains districts and recently celebrated its diamond jubilee.
