Nijlen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Marcel Schauwvlieghe, 73, from KFC Nijlen, wins Voetbal Vlaanderen’s first-ever Flemish Football Volunteer of the Year award, saying he’s “overwhelmed.”
The prize was given to Marcel during the ‘Vlaamse Voetbalsterren’.
“My wife is not happy with me being at the club so much”,
he says with a giggle.
The cheers were deafening at the KFC Nijlen table during the Flemish Football Stars’ first presentation, which was organized by Voetbal Vlaanderen.
The award for volunteer of the year was given to their volunteer, Marcel Schauwvlieghe. In this approach, Voetbal Vlaanderen hopes to honor deserving amateur and youth football teams and volunteers.
It was likewise a resounding win with 1,574 of 6,693 votes. “I’ve been talking to everyone at the club about the vote in the last few weeks. They all promised to vote for me,” Marcel replies enthusiastically as he tackles an impressive to-do list.
He assists in youth tournament organization and management. He looks after the football field and the bar. “Well, I’m retired and have a lot of time,” the former computer programmer, who spent a few years working in China, explains.
As a volunteer, Schauwvlieghe is a familiar face on and around the Nijlen football field.
“All the youth players know me too, because I supervise those youth matches. They also ask me to arrange the uniforms and so on.”
Award-winning volunteer Marcel Schauwvlieghe (73) said:
“A football club is a small village. There is always something going on and I am the point of contact.”
His thumbs were twitching as he sat in the canteen. That’s never an option, volunteer Marcel says.
“A football club is a small village. There is always something going on, even unexpected things, and I am usually the point of contact. For example, a referee sometimes doesn’t show up. Then I will try to arrange a substitute.”
The most difficult issue for Marcel: selling his absence at home.
“My wife is not always so happy about it. But now that I am retired, I also do odd jobs at other times than at home. And that way she can live with me going back to KFC Nijlen afterwards.”
KVV Dosko Baarle-Hertog took first place in the Growth Club of the Year category. With an emphasis on overall involvement and quality control in the organization of its youth work, this award is granted to the club that has made significant progress in the development and expansion of its young work during the last two seasons.
How has Marcel’s volunteer work impacted the football club?
The daily operation of grassroots clubs depends on volunteers like Marcel, who take care of duties like pitch maintenance, match scheduling, equipment management, and coaching support. This guarantees the smooth operation of the club and the enjoyment of regular football activities by the players.
Long-term volunteers help to build a strong feeling of community around the club by fostering a friendly and encouraging environment. Marcel’s commitment probably strengthens local bonds by bringing athletes, families, and supporters together.
Volunteers frequently help coaches, coach young players, and manage youth teams, which helps the club’s kids and teens grow as individuals and as football players.
Volunteers are frequently the keepers of club customs and principles, guaranteeing continuity and a welcoming environment that promotes involvement and enjoyment for all.
