NELSON Bay Football Club talisman Shaun Shelley can boast a long list of accolades from his career in the Newcastle Football competition scene.
One of his proudest-ever achievements was being named the Bay’s 2025 Club Person of the Year in recognition of his magnificent service both on and off the field.
Shelley was a deserved recipient for his tireless work as Club Treasurer, Head Coach of the men’s Zone League 2 team, organiser of the annual Old Boys/Girls Day event, and for always lending a hand at the Tomaree Sports Complex fields on junior game days.
A chuffed Shaun received the award from outgoing Nelson Bay FC president Todd Giles at this year’s Senior Presentation Night at the Salamander Bay Hotel.
“This is a well deserved award for one of our greatest legends,” club stalwart Giles told News Of The Area.
“Shaun epitomises the dedication and spirit that has defined the Nelson Bay Football Club for over five decades.
“He is one of the region’s most astute football mentors and a real asset for our club.”
The experienced Shelley has given the club 27-years of yeoman service as a player, coach and official and guided the yellow and blacks to their first ever Newcastle Football Zone League 3 championship title in 2024.
He showed his class and composure as Nelson Bay downed Garden Suburbs 4-3 in a Grand Final penalty shoot-out at Myers Park to claim the club’s maiden first grade trophy.
Twelve months prior, Shaun had tasted Grand Final glory with the Bay’s Zone League 2 reserve grade premiership-winning side.
As Head Coaches for the past two seasons, Shelley and assistant Jakob Graham have built team depth and harnessed a family culture among the top grade ranks.
Both are knowledgeable and experienced leaders with a passion for Nelson Bay FC, and loyal clubmen who are keen to foster the juniors and senior talent in the playing and coaching ranks.
Other major award winners for 2025 included Jackson Sparks, who collected the Peter Hamshaw Award for an Under 23 senior player showing outstanding dedication and commitment on the field.
Amber Grosser took out the Elaine Donnelly Award, for demonstrating a willingness to put the team and her teammates first and always giving her best.
Senior Golden Glove trophy winner was Over 30s B Grade women’s goalkeeper Tanielle Michael, who kept five clean sheets in 12 matches, while team mate Gayle Griffiths picked up the Senior Golden Boot with 12 goals from as many games.
By Chris KARAS
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