Marcel Schauwvlieghe Wins Inaugural Flemish Football Volunteer Award
The 73-year-old volunteer from KFC Nijlen honored for dedicated service to youth football.
NIJLEN – Marcel Schauwvlieghe, a 73-year-old volunteer from KFC Nijlen, has been awarded the first-ever Flemish Football Volunteer of the Year Award by Voetbal Vlaanderen, receiving 1,574 out of 6,693 votes during the inaugural Vlaamse Voetbalsterren event.
Schauwvlieghe's contributions to the club include organizing youth tournaments, managing the football field, and overseeing the bar operations at the club.
In an interview following the award ceremony, Schauwvlieghe expressed his surprise and humility at being recognized for his volunteer work, stating, “I’ve been talking to everyone at the club about the vote in the last few weeks.
They all promised to vote for me.”
He is well-known among youth players, supervising matches and assisting with logistics such as arranging uniforms.
“All the youth players know me too, because I supervise those youth matches,” he said.
Schauwvlieghe, a retired computer programmer with experience working in China, commented on the community spirit within the club: “A football club is a small village.
There is always something going on, and I am usually the point of contact.” His role also includes problem-solving during matches, such as finding substitute referees when needed.
Despite his commitment to KFC Nijlen, Schauwvlieghe noted that balancing his volunteer work with family life presents challenges, acknowledging that his wife sometimes wishes he spent less time at the club.
He remarked, “Now that I am retired, I also do odd jobs at other times than at home.
And that way she can live with me going back to KFC Nijlen afterwards.”
Additionally, KVV Dosko Baarle-Hertog received the award for Growth Club of the Year, recognizing their efforts in enhancing youth development and club operations over the last two seasons.
The contributions of volunteers like Schauwvlieghe are essential for the day-to-day functioning of grassroots clubs, ensuring that match scheduling, equipment management, and coaching support run smoothly.
Their commitment fosters community bonds among athletes, families, and supporters, facilitating a welcoming environment that encourages participation in football activities.
Schauwvlieghe's contributions to the club include organizing youth tournaments, managing the football field, and overseeing the bar operations at the club.
In an interview following the award ceremony, Schauwvlieghe expressed his surprise and humility at being recognized for his volunteer work, stating, “I’ve been talking to everyone at the club about the vote in the last few weeks.
They all promised to vote for me.”
He is well-known among youth players, supervising matches and assisting with logistics such as arranging uniforms.
“All the youth players know me too, because I supervise those youth matches,” he said.
Schauwvlieghe, a retired computer programmer with experience working in China, commented on the community spirit within the club: “A football club is a small village.
There is always something going on, and I am usually the point of contact.” His role also includes problem-solving during matches, such as finding substitute referees when needed.
Despite his commitment to KFC Nijlen, Schauwvlieghe noted that balancing his volunteer work with family life presents challenges, acknowledging that his wife sometimes wishes he spent less time at the club.
He remarked, “Now that I am retired, I also do odd jobs at other times than at home.
And that way she can live with me going back to KFC Nijlen afterwards.”
Additionally, KVV Dosko Baarle-Hertog received the award for Growth Club of the Year, recognizing their efforts in enhancing youth development and club operations over the last two seasons.
The contributions of volunteers like Schauwvlieghe are essential for the day-to-day functioning of grassroots clubs, ensuring that match scheduling, equipment management, and coaching support run smoothly.
Their commitment fosters community bonds among athletes, families, and supporters, facilitating a welcoming environment that encourages participation in football activities.
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