In a fitting honour, the Singleton Roosters’ spiritual leader Nadene McBride has been posthumously recognised as NSW/ACT’s 2023 AFLW Community Ambassador.

The revered former president was this week acknowledged for her incredible involvement in Australian football at her club, as well as the Hunter Central Coast region.

Sadly, McBride and her daughter Kyah were among several Roosters – including Andrew and Lynan Scott, Rebecca Mullen, Zach Bray, Kane Symons and Tori Cowburn – who died in a bus crash at Greta in June.

Singleton was also awarded the Spirit of AFL plaudit.

Two player medals will be named after McBride and Andrew Scott, too.

AFL general manager of women’s football Nicole Livingstone paid tribute to the highly-respected sportswoman known affectionately as Nads.

“A special call out to the family and friends of Nadene McBride, as well as all those from the Singleton Roosters and the Hunter Central Coast region who knew her,” she said.

“Nads’ contribution to the game and community was clearly profound and we know the community would still be doing it tough.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Nadene.”

Established in 2021, the nationwide AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

Each representative receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice.

For McBride, the endowment and opportunity will be presented to the Roosters on her behalf.

Livingstone said the growth in popularity of women and girls’ football had been driven by the assistance of so many.

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the individuals who’ve been recognised as well as all the wonderful people who are the lifeblood of community footy across the country,” she added.

NSW/ACT AFLW Community Ambassador 2023 citation

Nadene McBride (in memory) – Singleton Roosters FC

Nadene was a driving force of women’s football, having played a pivotal role in starting a women’s team. She developed, coached and created a wholesome family environment that has nurtured so many at the Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club (AFC).

She was a mentor to so many young girls and members of the club, supporting, encouraging and developing talented sportswomen in their journey. She was the lifeblood of the club, the heart, and a part of everyone’s family.

Nadene also played a pivotal role as the women’s coordinator on the NSW Masters committee and was a key organiser and liaison between this social competition and the broader Masters’ program.

“Nads” managed the NSW team last year in Adelaide and played for NSW at every National Carnival since Geelong in 2017. Beyond that though, she made a massive contribution to footy in general, especially in the Hunter region, having been a club president and mentor, representative coach and coach in the Sydney Swans Academy.

For more community stories:

• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000
• Soul Hub Big Ask Gala fundraiser brings $100k boost
• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden

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