Earlier in 2012, the Adelaide Football Club joined forces with Landmark to find the most deserving and best regional club volunteer.
Landmark is Australia’s leading rural service business, largely because of their unwavering commitment to Australian Regional communities. The Adelaide Football Club’s inclusive values are already shared with many loyal and proud regional Crows members and supporters, and we are delighted to be able to provide our support to Landmark in congratulating Mickey.
Shane Arbon of the Crystal Brook Football Club sent in a glowing nomination of Mickey Fogarty.
33 year old Mickey, (pictured) was diagnosed Down Syndrome at birth and has faced many challenges. Shane says he continues to take these challenges head on through the loving and spirited support of his family.
We were looking for the club volunteer who works behind the scenes seeking very little recognition in return for their efforts and Mickey is certainly one of these people.
“Mickey arrives to training before anyone else and is there long after everyone has left alongside his best mate and father Mick. He keeps the water bottles full but his greatest support comes through his voice and hunger for success,” Shane says.
“Mickey hurts more than most players after a loss and is always in the middle of the huddle singing the song up to five times on a Saturday when all levels of the Club win.”
At 18, it was decided that playing footy was too dangerous for Mickey. He then became trainer Mick’s (his father’s) right hand man.
Mickey has been involved in every Premiership photo (in every grade) since 1995 and flew to Melbourne to watch the Crows win their first flag in 1997.
“He has formed close friendships with the players, supporters and staff of the Crystal Brook Footy Club and is the most loyal and dedicated supporter going around.”
“Mickey may not have played 400 games, captain-coached any premierships or won any medals, however some achievements don’t have to be measured by what we can read on an honour board.
“The culture of a footy club is built on the passionate dedication of people like Mickey,” Shane says.
The very deserving Mickey will be recognised and treated to eight tickets for himself and seven friends to the 2012 Club Champion award.
Clubs struggle without the support of their volunteers, so we thank Mickey and all other volunteers - we couldn’t do it without you.
