This week – as a part of National Volunteer Week – we are celebrating the hard work and dedication of just a few of all the fantastic volunteers within our Victorian netball community, who give up their time simply to help make our sport great.
Paul Spagnolo – President of the Morwell Football Netball Club (FNC) – is just one of these.
Paul has been President of the Morwell FNC for the past three years.
Paul leadership traits were on display right from the outset of his reign as President, when he put his hand up at the Club AGM to fulfil the role, after an unexpected change in the previous President’s work situation led to a premature and untimely resignation. As Paul is a shift worker in his paid job, that work sees him work 12 hour shifts on nights, days and weekends, so taking on the Club Presidency was a significant sacrifice on his part.
Throughout Paul’s time at the Club - which started in 2009 - he has actively contributed in various roles. From the outset of taking on the Presidency, Paul was clear in outlining his vision for the Club to be as successful as it can possibly be both on and off the playing arena.
The cornerstone of this vision was the implementation in 2018 of a Strategic Plan, that would set the Club on a pathway to sustainable success. The key pillars of this Strategic Plan include engaging as many volunteers to participate in the Club as possible, but also to identify the right individuals for the key roles at the Club.
A favourite motto of Paul’s is ‘sharing the load’, which is why all Committee Members and Club volunteers are given the resources and support to focus on their one and only job to ensure they can achieve the best possible outcomes for the Club.
Since this Strategic Plan was launched, Paul has overseen its implementation with his Committee and the support of the Morwell FNC community. His natural leadership qualities have enabled him to rally the members, players, coaches, supporters and sponsors of the club to think outside the box with a progressive and innovative mindset to make Morwell FNC the local club of choice.
Sometimes the work and effort of a President can be taken for granted, however Paul’s overall contribution to the Club - particularly during his Presidency - has not gone unnoticed. Paul’s message to the club is one of a united front, and he sees the importance of both the netball and football players and coaching staff in playing a very big part in the Club’s success not only in the immediate, but also long-term future.
