About Community Sports Dads

Thank you for helping us uncover these local legends and show them our gratitude on Father's Day!

From coaching the local junior team and marking fields before sunrise to fundraising for new equipment and volunteering countless hours behind the scenes, Australia’s community sports dads are the unsung heroes who keep grassroots sport alive.

The annual Community Sports Dad of the Year award recognises the extraordinary contribution fathers and father figures make to their families, sporting clubs and local communities. Every year we celebrate the volunteers whose passion, commitment and selflessness help create opportunities for Australians of all ages to enjoy community sport.

Our 2025 Community Sports Dad of the Year winner was Nick Franklin from Gympie, Queensland.

Although Nick didn’t grow up playing hockey himself, he embraced the sport when his children became involved and has since become one of the driving forces behind the Gympie & District Hockey Association. As a volunteer coach, mentor and team manager, Nick has dedicated countless hours to developing young players, supporting representative teams and creating an environment where every child feels welcome.

As part of receiving the award, Nick donated the $5,000 Rebel Sport voucher back to his local club, helping provide new equipment and opportunities for the next generation of young athletes.

Speaking after receiving the award, Nick said “Helping kids find their place in a team and in the club. Showing them what happens when you work as a team, the trust, the friendships and the belief they build in themselves. That’s what lasts a lifetime.”

One reason Australia is so successful on the global sports stage is because of the number of incredible people who do all they can to ensure there is an opportunity for locals of all ages to participate in sport at their community club.

Speaking about his own experience with community sport champion Australian cricketer David Warner said ”When I was a kid who was involved in my many sports growing up. I played cricket, league, union. I enjoyed tennis and surfing as well. I was always on the move. However without many parents support this wouldn’t have been possible.  It’s important to recognise a dad that continually gives up his time to coach his kids sporting team, or to the dad that drives his kids to school each day or whatever it may be. All dads are legends”.