REDLANDS Hockey Association vice-president Sharon Collins has been recognised by Hockey Queensland as last year’s volunteer of the year.
Collins won the award for her leadership and dedication to hockey and her commitment to the Redlands Hockey Association.
An association spokesperson said Collins had been involved with the organisation since helping to establish it 11 years ago.
“Sharon is the vice-president and an integral member of the board,” the spokesperson said.
“Over the years Sharon has built a strong rapport with other key stakeholders such as Hockey Queensland, Redland City Council, local schools and other sporting associations.”
Collins had been pivotal in helping the club receive funding, most recently for lights.
“She has run hockey program such as Hooked into Hockey and other pop-up community sporting programs,” the spokesperson said.
“Sharon keeps up to date with the latest ideas and techniques for coaching and skills development and is constantly looking at new and innovative forms of the game to make it more enjoyable for current players as well as making it attractive to non-hockey players.”
The spokesperson said Collins played for the Women’s Pink Panther team, umpired and coached and was a passionate advocate for the sport.
“She is often the first one at the fields on Saturday mornings and more often than not, the last person to leave in the afternoon.
“Sharon’s sheer determination and drive to improve the association and her contribution to the wider hockey community is second to none, and there’s no one more deserving of this amazing achievement.”