2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Finalist – Matthew Bedegood

26 September 2025

By ALEXANDRA BULL

Ingle Farm Football Club’s Matt Bedegood is a jack of all trades.

Chairman, C Grade coach, Auskick coordinator and under-8s coach – Matt exemplifies the spirit of community football.

Matt originally joined Ingle Farm Football Club as a player in 2008, gradually becoming more involved off-field as time went on.

“I got more involved with the club as a coach, which is my passion. I then started helping in admin roles because I felt like I could help and had the time to do so,” Matt said.

Matt displays exceptional commitment, leadership and passion for the development of junior footballers. Under his guidance, the club has experienced unprecedented growth in junior participation; the club now proudly supporting over 200 young footballers.

Matt’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in his establishment of Ingle Farm’s first under-8s girls team in 2025. He also has led the way in expanding participation opportunities and fostering a welcoming environment for women and girls by completing the club’s AFL Women and Girls Charter.

Beyond his administrative coaching roles, Matt leads by example by actively still playing football and engaging with players and families alike.

“(Highlights) have come from seeing others have success or involvement – having my kids play, develop and have a love for the club and for football is top of the list,” Matt said.

“Seeing kids I’ve coached or teams at the club that have struggled over the years be able to have on-field success and to see the joy that brings with it.

“The club’s growth with juniors is very rewarding; it makes you feel like all the energy you try and put in during the year is worth it, when sometimes it’s challenging and doesn’t always feel that way.

“There are so many great volunteers, not only at Ingle Farm but at every club.”

Feeling humbled about his nomination and being shortlisted as a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year Award, Matt says he “certainly has not set out looking for these types of recognition”.

“My driving factor really has been trying to create and support a great community club where families want to be, and kids want to stay,” he said.

“To see that connection between juniors and seniors, and ultimately see kids who started in Auskick/U7 playing senior football… I just believe if I can try and help to make any difference, then I should.

“We are custodians of the club; it’s our job to leave it in a better place than we found it.”

Matt is one of eight finalists for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award, with the winner to be announced at the annual SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Night at Adelaide Oval on Friday, 31 October.