Steve Lubke honoured with prestigious NSW sports award

Narrabri FC soccer club president Steve Lubke received a distinguished long service award at the 2020 NSW Community Sports Awards for his contribution to soccer last week.

The awards recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

Lubke was one of 21 recipients from a wide cross-section of sports to receive an award.

Lubke has been involved with the Narrabri soccer community for more than 30 years as a player, coach, mentor, committee member and president.

Lubke has been the driving force behind establishing the senior soccer development in the area.

Not only does he engage and develop the senior arm, but he has been heavily involved with junior soccer through coaching, refereeing, and volunteering at carnivals.

Up until 2019, Lubke was the oldest player in the Namoi Soccer League for Narrabri FC, however he no longer plays because of a back injury.

He has been supportive of women’s soccer and continues to advocate for more females to play soccer, the world game.

Lubke has developed great relationships within the areas and has been instrumental in developing a strong competition in the local Namoi Soccer League.

This has benefited all players and coaches in the area by providing quality competition and a pathway for juniors thus increasing retention rates.

Sport NSW chairperson, Carolyn Campbell, said Lubke was a worthy award recipient.

“Sport in NSW relies on people such as Steve who have voluntarily dedicated their time over many decades,” she said.

“Put simply, sport would not exist without them.

It is fitting these distinguished long service award recipients are recognised and honoured.

“Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of boys and girls, men and women, would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides.

“Sport remains at the heart of communities across NSW and has the unique ability to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together.”