Meet the TTFC Treasurer
A few years ago Michael and a few others ‘had a go’ at running the village football club! Quite simply, teamwork off the pitch has paid off so far and his role as Treasurer and fundraiser has been a rewarding one.
Michael Austin
Profession
MD for Polysafe
Position(s) held for the Club
Coach, Treasurer, Fundraising Secretary.
Length of Time in Position
6 years (ish).
What do you enjoy most / least about the role you play for the club?
Most – helping to give local children the chance to be involved in a sport in real life rather than just seeing it on a screen!!
Least – being out in the cold at 830am in December putting nets up without any help
Coaching Qualification(s)
Level 1
Why did you join Thurlby Tigers FC?
When my son’s team coach moved on myself and another Dad (Matt Middleton) crossed the touchline to give our sons and their team mates the chance to continue. We work full time and have other commitments like everyone else, but it really is true that village clubs like ours need parents to do that little extra, or we won’t exist!
Treasurer and Fundraising – the Club had so many children wanting to play, and not enough people willing to take on the challenge of the background stuff, as well as being a coach. So myself and others had a go, and quite simply teamwork off the pitch has paid off so far. And after all, it’s only one meeting every couple of months, plus computer stuff at times – convenient to me!
How long have you been associated to and volunteering for the club?
7 years in total I think.
What is your favourite Tigers memory?
Not actually the glory of winning the League Cup a couple of years ago – but seeing sheer joy replace nerves on the faces of 14 year olds when the final penalty of the shoot out went in!!!
What Professional Team do you Support?
McLaren Formula 1, Ipswich Town
Who did / do you play football for?
To really show my age, I played for the very first team when Bourne Head Rangers formed (now Bourne Juniors). Then it was local sides as a teenager (including Thurlby FC!). Probably explains why it’s so important to me to put something back in. My adult career didn’t allow me to retire, let’s leave it at that…!
Biggest game you’ve ever played in or coached?
Probably coaching the League Cup with Tigers.
Coaching or Playing? And Why?
Playing. Come on, as if you need to ask why…
Who is/was your footballing hero?
Easy – Sir Bobby Robson.
What three things would you take on a desert island and why?
- Montaz Indian Restaurant (favourite food)
- Sky Sports F1 (favourite sport)
- Natalie Imbruglia (I like her accent…😉)
For invoice queries, financial enquiries and fund raising:
