McNaughton’s contribution to Leongatha Knights recognised

SOCCER stalwart Stuart McNaughton’s contribution to the sport locally was recently acknowledged when he was awarded Life Membership of Leongatha Knights FC.

McNaughton started playing soccer in the Under 12s, representing the then Leongatha Soccer Club.

After having kids of his own, he returned to soccer a decade ago joining Leongatha Knights FC to coach and play.

“There isn’t much Stu hasn’t done for the club,” the Knights’ current men’s coach and women’s player Beth Milkins said.

She suggested the former captain might consider a break from retirement.

In addition to his onfield contribution, McNaughton has coached an array of age groups, this year overseeing and expanding the club’s Under 14s teams.

At a committee level, he has been president, vice-president and an active committee member for a number of years, currently being a joint vice president.

McNaughton has cooked barbecues, refereed games, mowed lawns, marked lines, cleaned bathrooms, led working bees and attended league meetings.

“He is often the first at the club and the last to leave,” Milkins said.

“Not one to be the centre of attention we were excited to surprise Stu with his Life Membership at our junior presentation and to celebrate his efforts again at our senior presentation on the weekend at which he received a well-deserved standing ovation. 

“We are a community club that thrives under the leadership of passionate advocates such as Stu.”

Milkins described McNaughton as “officially a Knights’ Legend”, expressing her appreciation of his contribution to the club and also praising that of his wife Jo and the couple’s children.