Andrew McVeigh has been announced as one of two Vince and Val Laws Medal recipients at Football Canterbury’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner.
The Vince & Val Laws medal is given to an individual who has been nominated for their outstanding contribution to the development of football in the CDSFA and is generally known as the most prestigious award for volunteers in the Association.
It recognises a person who has been dedicated to football across their lifetime and has exceeded expectations of what would normally be expected of an individual.
Generally only one Vince and Val Laws Medal is awarded per year, but due to Covid interruptions in 2020 and 2021, two medals were bestowed in 2022.
Andrew McVeigh, a stalwart for Burwood FC, is one of those recipients.
While McVeigh had quite an impressive playing career which included representing New South Wales, Gladesville Hornsby, and Shoalhaven City, it was in his volunteer roles at club level where he has made his greatest impact.
A life member of Burwood FC, McVeigh has served his club for the best part of 15 years in a number of roles:
- Club President from 2013 until the present day
- Vice President in 2011
- Competition Secretary (2017-2022)
- Registrar in 2020
- Assistant Registrar (2021-2022)
He also played for Burwood FC in the O35s and helped them win the 2009 Masters Games in the O50 division.
Through his work with Burwood, McVeigh has worked very closely with Football Canterbury with some impressive and important outcomes. Importantly, McVeigh has been driven by what is best for the game and what is best for the participants.
It was through the advocacy and tenacity of McVeigh that saw major upgrades of two critical pieces of infrastructure: Centenary Park in Croydon and Blair Park at Burwood.
Combined, over $4 million dollars’ worth of funding was granted for the two upgrades but it is not simply the monetary value that is important: it is the legacy these venues leave for football in this region.
Burwood FC can now cater better for the growing needs of the membership and can grow with those improved facilities. This has been most noticeable with their greater drive into the female football space for all ages and abilities.
McVeigh has been recognised twice previously for his volunteer work, being awarded a Cec Barlow Award in 2014 and a Magpie Volunteer Award by Wests Ashfield in 2018.
We thank Andrew McVeigh for his contribution to football in our region and congratulate him for this recognition of his efforts.
Feature image credit: Photographed with Love
