Part of my life: Volunteer of the Year just keeps on giving

From Tuesday to Sunday you’ll find Khalil Kouayder running around Roberts Park setting up fields, organising referees and rosters, and the 2024 NRL Volunteer of the Year wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Now in their 64th year, the Greenacre Tigers are one of Western Sydney’s most established grassroots football club and having first donned the black and orange jersey when he was 10, Kouayder is proud to give back to the club that he calls home.

Having offered his time as the Greenacre Tigers Club Secretary since 2016, Kouayder was recognised as a volunteer who goes the extra mile for his club in last year's ljmpta.community Awards and it doesn't look like the club legend is slowing down.

“I’ve been a Greenacre boy since I was 10 and played all the way through to first grade and still play for the over 35 men's league tag today,” Kouayder told ljmpta.com.

“It’s just a part of my life. Footy just means everything to me, especially around our area where a lot of teenagers, especially males, can fall into a place where they can be really distracted and taken down the wrong path.

“I believe footy gives kids structure and a sense of commitment which helps them stay on the right path and our club provides a fun, family atmosphere that is safe and everyone feels a part of.

“Greenacre is a second family to a lot of people and I am proud to help provide an environment where people can feel a part of something and that real sense of belonging.” 

A high school teacher at Sir Joseph Banks High School during the day, Kouayder has volunteered nearly every spare moment outside his work commitments to the football club for almost a decade.

But the proud Tiger said that it’s the team of volunteers around him and the growing success of the club that keeps him coming back each season.

“We are a growing club and we have 36 teams now so we’re pretty much here from Tuesday night through to the games on Saturday and Sunday as our park isn’t big enough to get through the league tag and tackle all in one day,” he said.

“Monday night is my only night off but it’s not uncommon for one of the teams to want to do an extra training that night and I end up there to open the park anyway.

“On game day at about 6am we’re there setting up the fields, picking up rubbish and then at the end of the day you’re there packing up the fields and cleaning up the sheds so it’s a big day but we’ve got a great team that’s willing to give their time and help out.