ONE of the Hunter region’s proudest footballing families has been honoured by the Newcastle Football association.
Medowie FC stalwarts Matt and Ebony Morris along with their 21-year-old daughter Billie-Ann and sons Tyson and Kayden, are the inaugural recipients of the prestigious Henry Family Award.
The award perpetuates the memory of the late Newcastle Football Chief Executive Officer Russell Henry, who passed away last year.
It recognises a family whose shared passion and commitment strengthen the spirit of football on and off the field.
Russell’s widow Maree Henry presented the Morris family with the award at Newcastle Football’s 35th Anniversary Awards Night at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre.
She was assisted by daughter Ash and son Adam with her other son, Matt, paying tribute to the Medowie FC “true blues” from his home in Adelaide.
Morris family members have links to Newcastle Football and Medowie FC dating back to 1980.
Matt is the current Vice Chairman of Newcastle Football and has given Medowie FC yeoman service as a player, coach and official.
Ebony has been a long-serving administrator, while she and Billie-Ann are regular volunteers.
Zone first grade goalkeeper Kayden, 17, and reserve grade winger Tyson, 19, are two of the Bumblebees’ best young prospects.
Mrs Henry acknowledged that the Morris family had displayed “passion, dedication and team work that go above and beyond what is expected.”
“They coach, play, cheer from the sidelines, support other players and lend a hand when expected.
Matt’s parents Alan and Gail were doyens of the football code in Medowie and Newcastle.
Both were life members of Medowie FC, with Field Two at the club’s home base at Yulong Park named in their honour.
Alan juggled various roles for the Medowie club with stints as secretary, treasurer and as a leading coach of the junior and senior men’s and women’s teams.
He also carved a niche as a prominent referee – later gaining life membership of the Newcastle Football Referees Association.
Gail served as club secretary and treasurer and for many years prepared the draw for the Newcastle Football Association, where she was also bestowed with life membership.
Her memory is perpetuated each season with the Gail Morris Award – a trophy that recognises the recipient’s dedication to Newcastle Football and member clubs.
This year’s winner was another dedicated Port Stephens volunteer, Jim Meredith, from the Seaham-Bowthorne Football Club.
By Chris KARAS
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