YOUNG football players have been recognised for their sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect throughout the 2019 season.
The Ararat and District Junior Football Association recognized a player from each of its clubs with the Blue Ribbon Spirit of Sport Award.
The award comes from a partnership between the league and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Each week players are awarded points for their sportsmanship, fair play and other qualities promoted by the program, contributing to an end-of-season tally.
Sergeant Shaun Allen, of Ararat, presented the awards to:
- Justin Taylor, Bombers;
- Reuben Sladdin, Warriors;
- Tom Kinley, Mounties;
- Caleb Summers, Rovers.
League president Cameron Evans said the awards - and the recipients - reflected the positive values of the league.
"(The recipients) are nominated by the club, the team coach and the manager," he said.
"It's not necessarily based around skill level or performance on the ground but the overall embracing of qualities and values we like to instill in all players in our league.
"The recipients are all very well recognised, and the best part is that it's recognised by the club and endorsed by the fellow players. When a player gets announced you can see by the reaction and the faces on everyone else that they agree it was a worthy recipient."
Evans said football in Ararat and surrounds was generally a fantastic example of what the program was all about.
"What I've been impressed by, and what struck me in getting involved in football in Ararat ... particularly when my kids first started as Auskickers was the way in which you're embraced, welcomed and supported," he said.
"There is a genuine desire to instill good values. The other impressive thing is the girls play it too."
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