When you speak to Glen Innes Celts coach and president Aaron Harvey about his beloved club, there's no missing the passion which comes through.
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Harvey started the club alongside his wife, Robyn, three years ago and they have worked non-stop to get junior teams on the park and young people playing the sport of Aussie Rules.
Now his love and dedication for the junior club has been formally recognised with Harvey named NSW/ACT's AFL senior coach in the volunteer of the year awards.
Harvey admitted it was a complete shock to hear he had been nominated and then won.
"I don't know who nominated me for it but it is very humbling," he said.
"I don't do the footy to get the accolades, I do it because I love doing it.
"I mean, it looks alright on me but the family that have got sitting behind me on the sidelines does a lot of work supporting me too.
Without the support crew you don't get these accolades as well.
- Aaron Harvey
"Without the support crew you don't get these accolades as well.
"I started the club with my wife and without her starting it this opportunity wouldn't have come along. It is really part her award too."
Harvey also believes it is recognition for the community.
He is thankful for everyone who has contribution to the club and the sport.
"I can't do it without the kids turning up to the AFL," he said,
"Without the commitment of the parents and the kids and allowing me to take them under my wing and give me the opportunity to coach them, a big thanks to the community to come aboard and having a crack at this new sport I suppose," he said.
While it was a surprise for Harvey, others who know the contribution he puts in weren't surprised.
"So very well deserved," AFL North West president Sonia Lewis said.
"A little recognition for the enormous energy and passion he puts into his coaching, the kids and club.
"Aaron was also the coach of the 2021 AFL North West under 15s team [but] unfortunately the comp didn't go ahead."
It's been a hard year across all sports with the coronavirus pandemic and the AFL North West competition is no different.
The Celts under 17s had expanded this year to play teams from the North Coast competition and then the season was cut short when statewide lockdowns were introduced.
Harvey said it was disappointing but they did have the chance to meet new players and experience a different skill level.