A passion for the sport and countless hours of tireless work saw Julie Boyd named the Western Australian Cricket Association’s (WACA) female volunteer of the year at an awards night earlier this week.
The Peel Junior Cricket Association (PJCA) president took out the honour after being recognised for her dedication to developing the grassroots level in the Peel region, with Boyd saying she was ‘shocked yet honoured’ to receive the accolade.
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“I was shaking – it was just all a bit mind-blowing to be honest,” she said.
“I was up against some really strong finalists and I actually thought one of them was a shoe-in, so when they called my name out I was really shocked.
“It’s just such an honour to be recognised for such a prestigious award. You volunteer because you love cricket and you want to see the sport doing well so to get recognition for all the effort you’re putting in is extremely rewarding.”
On top of her new role as the PJCA president, Boyd also remains at the helm of the South Mandurah Junior Cricket Club and is the current coordinator for the junior blasters program.
Across her 10 years of service to cricket in the region she’s also taken roles such as treasurer, registrar and delegate.
More recently, along with the help of a dedicated team, Boyd has been a driving force in attempting to boost numbers for female cricket in the Peel.
It’s a variety of roles that has the local legend hard at work most days of the week, but Boyd is fueled by a love for cricket that she says drives her to continue volunteering.
“I just love the game,” she said.
“I remember as a child I got to watch Australia play the West Indies in Bay 13 at the MCG, and from there I loved guys like Dennis Lillee and Adam Gilchrist and I’ve always just enjoyed watching cricket.
“That passion, and having a son playing cricket, led me to volunteering and now it’s just another thing I love about the game.”
Boyd stressed the importance of volunteers to grassroots cricket, saying it was the lifeblood of the sport.
“No club, association or sport exists without volunteers,” she said.
“Whether you’re a parent or just someone who wants to help out, you become a crucial part of the game’s development.”
To register your interest as a volunteer for the Peel Junior Cricket Association or any of its clubs, visit peeljca.com.au or message their Facebook page.