Swans Football District volunteer Ashley Trachy has been named as a finalist in the 2008 RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award.  Mr Trachy will represent the district as one of 17 finalists in the running to be crowned the 2008 RAC WA Football Volunteer of the Year.

"Ashley has been a wonderful asset to the Ellenbrook Junior Football club for the last four years. His enthusiasm has created a wonderful atmosphere for all the kids," said Jenny.

All finalists in the Volunteer of the Year Award have been invited to the Sandover Medal presentation at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre on Monday, September 15 where the winner will be announced and receive a trip for two to the AFL grand final including flights, accommodation and a grand final breakfast function. 

WA was the first State to recognise its volunteers on such a scale the RAC WA Football Volunteer of the Year award was won in 2007 by the Claremont district's John McCallum. The award's success has prompted the AFL to initiate similar programs across all States.

Now in its third year the RAC WA Football Volunteer of the year award has grown to receive in excess of 180 nominations. Anyone involved in football at any level was eligible to be nominated for the award through their local district or by the WA Football Commission. 

WA has more than 46,000 volunteers participating every week in the game at all levels and without them WA Football Commission community development co-ordinator Glenn Morley said the game would be lost.

"Without volunteers our game would be severely hamstrung," he said.

"They're involved at all levels whether it's in the canteen, umpiring, peeling oranges, coaching or driving their kids for two hours to the game. The RAC WA Football Volunteer-of-the-Year program aims to elevate the standing of volunteers to that of a star. Just like you have star players and star coaches we want to recognise star volunteers."