Clint Free joined that esteemed list of Rams last week, when he was named a life member.
To become a life member of the Deniliquin Rams Football & Netball Club you need to have played 200 senior level games for the club, or served the club in an executive committee role for 10 years or more.
Clint’s contributions have been spread across various club and committee roles.
In presenting the award, ground/court coordinator Michael Todd and sponsorship signs coordinator Tim Hillier said Free was always willing to help where needed.
“This exceptional person has served in numerous roles around the club, including player, general and executive committee person, parent, member, supporter, and the top job, president,” they said, before the recipient was officially announced.
“Their contributions extend even further to several unofficial roles, such as grounds work, overseeing scrap metal, and scoreboard operations.
“They are always the first to arrive on a home game, ensuring that our grounds and facilities are impeccably prepared, and that everything runs smoothly for our players, supporters, and fans.”
The club said Clint has consistently upheld the values of the Rams during his time at the club, and his selflessness and devotion had made an “indelible impact”.
“As a member of the clubs' committee, Clint has been instrumental in the upgrades and development of the club as a whole, helping to secure funding for the upgrades of the clubs facilities,” his citation read.
“His endeavours and support to the club extend to both codes, football and netball, advocating for all Rams players and members, ensuring they are valued and supported within the club.”
Clint said he and his family have had wonderful experiences as Rams members.
“I played all my junior footy there, and then came back to the club when my daughter started playing netball,” he said.
“I never intended to get as involved as I did in the beginning.
“All three of my kids went through the club, and I was taking up roles and just building a pride in the club to make it as enjoyable as possible.
“It wasn’t a big job as such, but clubs play a big role in peoples’ lives and these jobs need doing to keep clubs alive”.
Clint is not the only member of his family who goes above and beyond for the club either.
His wife Hayley has been a volunteer on the canteen committee, the netball committee and held a number of other roles.
And the entire Free family - Clint, Hayley and their three children - have all put their hands up to volunteer for the Rams at this weekend’s Deni Ute Muster.
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