It’s our final day celebrating National Volunteer Week, presented by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation – and today we’re sharing Maria Caruso’s story.Maria has been a vital part of the Darebin Falcons junior soccer program for the past 10 years - a program would not be where it is today without her. From zero junior players in 2010, the club now has over 400 registered junior girls and MiniRoos. Maria has been involved from the very beginning. She initially set up and ran the canteen for several years - taking it from a small table of snacks to an all-day BBQ fundraising affair with a rostered army of parents. She then moved into assisting with the soccer operations, and member of the junior committee since it was formed in 2012 and is highly involved in all strategic decisions. Maria organises all extra-curricular activities like tournaments and mascots opportunities at A-league and W-league games. She works with external organisations to deliver fantastic programs for their girls, like strength and conditioning training, FV Go Girls clinics, Elite Female Football clinics and Melbourne City clinics. Maria also runs several special events throughout the year like 'World Cup Training night' where she coordinates teams into playing as different countries during training. Maria also coordinates the purchasing and sale of merchandise and other fundraising activities like raffles and cake stalls throughout the season. She coordinates events and organises other volunteers to assist. Maria is always available to be involved in discussion about the way forward for the Darebin Falcons junior soccer program and how to tackle any challenges. Maria is super organised, a strategic thinker, is dedicated and always gets things done. Her influence in the club has been immense. Maria, congratulations on your dedicated service to your club. We're pleased to shortlist you for the Volunteer of the Year Award at the FV Community Awards later this year. You'll also receive an FV prize pack, and your club will receive an FV training pack. Thank you to Darebin Falcons Women's SC for nominating Maria and allowing us to share her story with our community. #LiveLoveFootball |