Sport
Football
Donated
$0
Club
Blue Lake Soccer Club
Get to know Nathan
Nathan Butler resides in the regional town of Mount Gambier, South Australia, a community of just under 30,000 people. Situated over 400 kilometres from both Adelaide to the west and Melbourne to the east, Mount Gambier is famed for its stunning geological features, breathtaking lakes, and vibrant sporting culture.
Nathan, a father of three—Ben (17), Zoe (14), and Jai (10)—and husband to Belinda, has been named this year’s Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year for his exceptional contributions to this thriving sports community.
As president of the Blue Lake Soccer Club, Nathan has dedicated over 20 years to fostering local sports. His tireless efforts were recognised by fellow resident Jason Peake, who nominated him for this prestigious award.
Nathan and family
QCongratulations, Nathan! How does it feel to be named the 2024 Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year? When did you first learn that Jason had nominated you?
AFirst I knew I was even nominated was when I received the call from Jason to let me know that he had put me in for this, and that on top of that I was the winner for 2024.
QCan you describe the sports community in Mt Gambier? How vital is it to the local area and its people?
ABeing in a rural area, sport brings community together, and for the smaller rural tows, sporting clubs are the life of these all year round. So many lifelong friendships are made from being involved in sports.
QWhich community sports and clubs are you actively involved in? What specific roles do you hold, and how long have you been contributing to these clubs?
ABlue Lake Soccer Club is my passion. I took on the role of club president 3 years ago, but have been involved for over 20 years in many roles including getting the miniroos program started about 12 years ago. I am also involved with The Mount Shank Tennis club where my kids play, and my wife is on the committee.
QWalk us through a typical week for you at the club?
ACurrently, not only I am the club president, and still the miniroos coordinator. I coach 2 competition teams. The U12 Development, and Under 16 Girls. I also referee each week for the association, Mark the pitches for home games, setup, and backup. Manage the facilities, assist in the canteen, fund-raisers and anything else that is required.
QWhat drives you to dedicate so much of your time and energy to the local sports community?
AThe smiles that it brings to the kids faces. To see the development of kids playing football (soccer) over the journey.
QOver the years what local challenges have impacted the sports community?
ACovid-19 was a big challenge. Sport stopped, and to get it up and running again took some work. This is when I really got involved as a key part of the clubs committee. As a club we try and embrace players of all ability, and work with them. Many times it is not the best players, that are great club people. Welcome them in and they will want to stay and be a part of the club however they can.
QWhat message would you like to share with other dads across Australia who are also contributing to their local sports communities?
AKeep doing what you do. Spending time with your children in whatever way you can to help them in life is the most valuable contribution you can make.
QWhich club will be receiving the $5,000 Rebel Sports Voucher?
AThe prize will go to the Blue Lake Soccer Club. We will be able to use this to purchase new training equipment and balls before next season.
When I came across the awards only one person came to mind for me. Nathan is the first person to put up their hand to assist anyone in the club, and always does it without the need for a thank you, and is generally found around the club in his spare time trying to organise or prepare for the next round of games.
Jason Peake
Nominated Nathan for the Award
Nathan Butler (left) alongside Jason Peake
QReflecting on your journey, what do you think has been the most rewarding part of your involvement in community sports?
AI like to see the game grow. More participation. Some key changes have been made to the competition over the last decade to allow more participation through the miniroos, women's game growth and a development u12 league. To be recognised with life membership to the Blue Lake Soccer Club a few years ago, and last year with a Meritorious award from the Limestone Coast Football Association are huge honours.
QHow has your family supported your efforts in the community?
AIt is just part of what we do. My wife Belinda is also heavily involved in the soccer club with helping out, plus coordinates Tennis and coaches Calisthenics. We also both volunteer on other committees outside of sports, and out children also help out where needed in many things for the groups.
QWhat are your plans for Father's Day this year, and is there anything special you’d like as a gift?
AIt is our Grand Final day. Our club has 4 teams in, including the U12D team that I coach. So hoping we can get the win as the perfect father's day present.
Thanks to Jason for the nomination, it is great to know the work I do doesn't go unnoticed. Thanks to the Sponsor Philips, I know the importance of sponsorships for community sports, and the club will certainly appreciate the prize. My family is always supportive, and we probably wouldn't have it any other way.
Nathan Butler