At the recent Season Launch, Growthbuilt Sydney Uni Australian National Football Club announced student-athlete Nick Foster as the inaugural recipient of the Harvey Gordon Sporting Scholarship.
Through the generous support of club’s network and alumni, SUANFC has been able to establish its first named scholarship, which will be awarded in perpetuity.
The announcement coincided with the recent second anniversary of club stalwart Gordon’s passing and was apt timing to celebrate Harvey’s significant impact on the club.
Brett Pettersen, life member, announced Foster in front of his peers. “Harvey was an icon of the club, its greatest ever contributor and notable that in a traditionally player-run club, his achievements far outweighed the fact that he never pulled on the boots. His legacy reminds us that being part a club like SUANFC is about being part of something much bigger than the individual and is measured not by the win on the weekend and premierships but success instead marked by the life-long friendships and connections made, and the pride that we all share for the club and its people”.
In accordance to the charter for the scholarship, Pettersen said “The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student-athlete who represents Harvey’s legacy of outstanding contribution to the enrichment of the football club as a community – a truly club person. The recipient may be a talented footballer, but will certainly be someone who regularly embodies the characteristics of outstanding leadership through doing, humility, selflessness and passion for the club and its people”.
Foster, joined SUANFC in 2015 following graduation from the Sydney Swans Academy and the Mosman Swans Junior Football Club. After 71 games for the club (including 50 in the NEAFL), Nick has embedded himself within the fabric of the club and is perhaps best known for the culture and work ethic he brings to the club off-field. From assisting with Colts training to taking new players and young players under his wing, Nick is always there to help. He has also been a strong influence within the club’s social committee, seamlessly organising and encouraging integration between our NEAFL and AFL Sydney programs.
Nick was congratulated on his scholarship by life members and club dignitaries including Club Foundation Representative Robert Goodall, former presidents Roger Down and Peter Hastings, and current club president Sam Power.
Goodall said “Thank you to all of the friends, old boys, supporters and players for their generous philanthropic contributions through the club’s Foundation. It shows what the club’s alumni and network can achieve”.
Harvey’s family was not able to be present at the announcement but passed on their immense pleasure upon hearing about the scholarship’ establishment and inaugural recipient. In particular, that Harvey, even in death, continued to have great impact on the lives of young people within the club – something Harvey was most passionate about.
Foster was to be presented with the scholarship, noting “it is humbling to be named the first recipient of the Harvey Gordon Scholarship, I’m very excited for the year ahead with both my studies and on the field. To have a chance to represent Banger’s legacy is an honour – I look forward to giving my all both on and off the field to the club knowing that I am representing him.”
Charter – Harvey Gordon Sporting Scholarship
Harvey “Banger” Gordon was for 27 years the club’s number one supporter, trainer, strapper, water boy, fruit cutter, mixer of cordial, provider of lollies, finder of lost property, guardian of valuables, photographer, drinking buddy, story teller, cook, companion and friend. He never sought reward but received it in spades with mateship, love, respect and camaraderie of the hundreds of young people he met in over three decades of service at the club.
To honour his memory in perpetuity, the Harvey Gordon Australian Football Sports Scholarship at the University of Sydney, will be awarded annually for a student-athlete who best represents Harvey’s legacy of outstanding contribution to the enrichment of the football club as a community – a true club person. The recipient may be a talented footballer, but will certainly be someone who regularly embodies the characteristics of outstanding leadership through doing, humility, selflessness and passion for the club and its people.
Donate to the SUANFC Foundation Here: http://bit.ly/2CFbOSF and select ‘specific sport or scholarship’