Armando Gardiman 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.
Armando Gardiman, a life member of Football Canterbury, is one of those recipients.
Known around the region as the Chairman of Football Canterbury, Gardiman is a staunch advocate for the development of women and girls in football as well as marginalised groups and communities. Through his actions, Gardiman has ensured that Football Canterbury is an inclusive organisation and that the football pitches around our region are places where everyone is welcome.
Football has been a life passion for Gardiman. His love for this game, particularly its foundations – the grassroots community – is unchallengeable.
As well as a player, a coach, and Chairman of Football Canterbury, Gardiman has served grassroots football by:
- Chairing the CDSFA Disciplinary Committee
- Chairing the CDSFA Appeals Committee
- Chairing the Football NSW General Purposes Tribunal
- Serving on three Commissions of Inquiry within football
In 2016 the Australian Government recognised Gardiman for his service to the community by appointing him as a Member of the Order of Australia.
Gardiman has served and continues to serve Football Canterbury with distinction. His contributions at the highest level of the game have significantly placed the Association in a better position and enhanced this Association's standing in the football community.
We thank Armando Gardiman for his contribution to football in our region and congratulate him for this recognition of his efforts.
Feature image credit: Photographed with Love
