Football West last night confirmed seven new Life Members at its 2024 annual general meeting.
The new intake includes ex-Socceroo and Perth SC president Gary Marocchi; former Football West chairman and State player Liam Twigger; women’s and regional football coach and advocate Sandra Szopski; long-standing club administrator Kerry Slater; State teams fund-raiser and tournament director Kerry Harris; FIFA-nominated referee and A-League assistant referee Mathew Cheesman; and football journalist David Andrews.
Football West chairman Sherif Andrawes: “We are delighted to welcome a strong and deserving group who have given outstanding service to football in Western Australia so well over many years.
“Their contribution has helped football to develop in WA to the extent that we are now celebrating record registration numbers and unprecedented interest in our game. I would like to congratulate all seven new Life Members on this recognition and thank the people who took to time to nominate.”
The 2024 Life Members
Sandra Szopski
With over 30 years of involvement in the game, Sandra Szopski has been instrumental in developing coaching programs and securing resources for women’s and regional football in Western Australia.
She has played vital roles as a player, coach, referee, administrator and development officer, spanning grassroots to elite levels.
Sandra's efforts in establishing the first high-performance centre for girls and her multifaceted contributions highlight her significant impact on football, advocating her consideration for life membership.
Liam Twigger
Liam Twigger has been involved in football since the early 70’s, representing WA at both junior and senior levels as a player before fulfilling influential roles such as a board member of Soccer West Coast, director and chair of Football West, and an advocate for the Home of Football.
He has been a player, coach, committee member, sponsor, director, and chair. Liam’s involvement in the FFA Congress Review Working Group for FIFA illustrates his commitment to football's growth in Western Australia, making him a strong candidate for life membership.
Kerry Slater
For over 40 years, Kerry Slater has significantly contributed to football in Western Australia. He has held leadership positions at Sorrento SC where he received Football West’s David Schrandt Administrator of the Year award, and the Junior Standing Committee and has been involved in the NPL Review.
Kerry’s extensive roles span playing, committee work, venue management, refereeing, and serving on both the NPL and Junior Standing Committees and as a Zone Representative for many years.
His dedication and leadership make him a role model of football administration.
Kerry Harris
With over 30 years of dedicated service, Kerry Harris has played a vital role in football in Western Australia. She has led organisations at both club and national levels and has been actively involved as a fundraiser for state teams, team manager, tournament director, and club official.
Her extensive work in various capacities, including as a committee member, chair, and secretary, showcases her significant influence and commitment, making her a deserving candidate for life membership.
Gary Marocchi
Gary Marocchi has been a pivotal figure in Western Australian football for decades, with roles including being a leader at Perth Soccer Club, a WA Football Hall of Fame inductee, a Socceroo, and the inaugural Perth Glory coach.
Gary’s significant contributions include the development of Dorrien Gardens and introducing Perth Soccer Club to the Women's NPL.
His extensive involvement as a player, coach, and president demonstrates a profound and lasting impact on football in the region, justifying his consideration for life membership.
David Andrews
David Andrews’ dedication to football, spanning over 50 years, has been remarkable. As a journalist for The West Australian and a freelance football journalist, he has significantly promoted the sport.
His active roles include being an inaugural and long-term member of the Hall of Fame committee. David's extensive and varied contributions as a journalist and committee member have had a lasting impact on the reputation and awareness of football in Western Australia, making him a fitting candidate for life membership.
Mathew Cheeseman
Mathew Cheeseman has been a high achiever throughout his career as a match official, including being one of only a few FIFA-nominated WA officials.
His roles have included referee, referee manager for Football West, DSR advisor, and A-League assistant referee. Mathew's involvement extends to being a teacher, coach, mentor, instructor, and assessor, as well as volunteering in university sports.
His multifaceted contributions and recognition through multiple awards underscore his significant impact on football, justifying his nomination for life membership.