Wallsend FC’s Chris Gallagher wins at 2025 van Egmond Jennings Awards

At the 2025 van Egmond Jennings Awards — the premier celebration of the season for Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) — the spotlight wasn’t just on players and coaches. Among the club stalwarts recognised for their selfless contributions off the pitch was Chris Gallagher, who was awarded Volunteer of the Year in the Premier Youth League — a testament to his dedication to grassroots football and the future of the sport.

The awards ceremony, held at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre on 21 November, brought together more than 500 guests — including former national icons from the Socceroos and Matildas — to celebrate the achievements of players, officials, coaches, and volunteers across NNSWF’s competitions.

While the evening’s headlines included stellar performances on the pitch, the event’s hosts were careful to recognise the individuals behind the scenes whose efforts make every kick possible. It was within this spirit of community and commitment that Chris Gallagher’s name was called.

For Wallsend FC (also known as the “Red Devils”), based in Newcastle, the honour is especially significant. As the club’s own announcement celebrated:

“A very big congratulations to our very own Chris Gallagher for winning Northern League One Premier Youth League Volunteer of the Year.” facebook.com+1

The award emphasises the critical role volunteers like Gallagher play in community football — from organising junior teams, supporting youth development, to ensuring match-days run smoothly. For youth players in particular, volunteers are often the backbone of their introduction to the sport, providing mentorship, coordination, and commitment that goes far beyond what’s seen on match day.

In the official awards wrap-up, NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes extended gratitude to all volunteers across clubs — acknowledging that the successes of the season wouldn’t have been possible without their work.

By lifting up volunteer achievements alongside elite performance, the van Egmond Jennings Awards continue to reinforce the values of community, inclusivity and grassroots participation that underpin football in Northern NSW.

For Chris Gallagher, this award is likely both a moment of recognition and a motivator. For Wallsend FC, it’s a reminder of the essential role volunteers hold — not just in supporting teams, but in nurturing the next generation of players. And for the broader football community in Northern NSW, it’s a celebration of the often-unsung heroes who make the game possible at every level.

Congratulations to Chris Gallagher — an outstanding example of dedication, service, and love for the game.