Naomi Jones is one of the largest contributors to the Goulburn District Hockey Association's continued success, and on Saturday she was recognised as a joint winner of the Community Coach of the Year at Hockey NSW's annual awards night.
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Jones, who is affectionately known as 'Noddy', was congratulated by the GDHA on its Facebook page.
"A huge shout out to Noddy, this is an achievement to be celebrated and acknowledged and that you should be damn proud of," the association wrote.
"GDHA, GDHA Rep kids, Capital League and AJAX would be lost without you. Whilst we could talk forever on your dedication to the kids and your efforts as a coach we know you would prefer to just keep on doing what you do without acknowledgement, but know we are all proud of you and excited that your efforts and dedication have not gone unseen."
Jones shared the award with Tamworth-based coach, Hellen Willis. Her mother and GDHA committee member, Sharney Fleming, said the award was long-deserved.
"She's a very valuable part of this association given that she puts a lot of time into a lot of children whether they play for her club [Ajax] or not," Fleming said.
"She asks for nothing. If they turn up, she'll train them. For us as an association, that's very valuable because not a lot of people do that."
The depths of Jones' contributions to the association, Fleming added, often go unrecognised due to her low-key nature.
"Naomi's a very humble person who is very passionate and enthusiastic and gives her all," she said.
"She has contributed so much to our juniors here, there aren't many juniors in Goulburn who haven't been coached by Naomi, directly or indirectly.
"She has a different way, she's very quiet and not emotional. She tries to get the best out of people without any fuss."
The awards ceremony was held at Tamworth, which also hosted the Centre of Development Regional Carnival over the weekend.
A number of Goulburn's Under 13s and Under 15s players attended, and two were recognised for their success.
Lara Hanger received the Girls Umpire (Player) of the Carnival, while Cameron Schultz was named the Under 13s Boys Player of the Carnival.
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