Last Friday at the 2024 AFL Victoria Community awards night, EFNL Junior Umpires Head Coach Sean Clarke was awarded the 2024 Greg Sidebottom Memorial Umpire Coach of the Year.
For ten years, Sean has dedicated himself to the growth and success of the EFNL junior umpiring program, supporting the development of new and inexperienced umpires and seamlessly transitioning many into senior football.
His unwavering belief that every umpire deserves a platform to thrive has not only enriched the umpiring group but has also uplifted the standards of officiating across the board.
Sean has provided invaluable opportunities in programs such as Auskick and U7s competitions, ensuring that our junior umpires have the best experience they need to thrive in umpiring.
In addition to nurturing junior umpires, Sean has passionately championed the development of female officials in Womens and girls’ competitions. He has created an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to pursue their goals, regardless of their background.
He does this by holding parent forums for young umpires which has been pivotal by engaging families in the process and fostering a collaborative spirit. His support of roles like the Women and Girls Liaison Officer has ensured that female coaching events are not merely an afterthought but a priority at the EFNL.
Sean’s impact reaches far beyond the playing field; he has shaped lives, built confidence, and created future leaders to thrive in the future in umpiring.
