VALE George Dick

FFA is saddened to hear that former football administrator George Dick OAM passed away

Football Federation Australia is saddened to hear that well known former football administrator George Dick OAM passed away yesterday (Wednesday, 15 December 2010).

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland in May 1929, George migrated to New Zealand after the war and played for and captained Wellington in the local league. He was also selected to represent New Zealand but did not make an appearance.

George and his family then moved to Australia in 1960 and became quickly immersed in football and went on to become the President of Manly Warringah (1974-1981), Chairman of the NSW State League (1982-1984) and Vice President of the NSW Soccer Federation (1984-1991).

George was instrumental in his involvement in Manly Warringah Football circles holding an influential role in obtaining the land and building the Clubhouse next to Cromer Park number one field. He had always had a genuine ongoing interest in the people and operations of Football in Manly Warringah.

George was project manager for the 1993 FIFA World Youth Cup, held in Australia, which contributed greatly to Australia-s successful bid to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

He was Vice President of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) from 1990 to 1998 and Honorary Vice-President from 1998 to 2003. During his tenure with the OFC, he helped restore relations between Australia and the island nations, monitored financial operations and assisted in establishing a full-time secretariat and development programs.

George was also an executive member of the Australia Soccer Federation (ASF) from 1984 to 1990 and a director of Northern Spirit in the former National Soccer League.

George continued working as a football administrator with Football Federation Australia (FFA), in particular with the development of Futsal, up until his retirement in 2006.

He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2008, holds multiple life memberships and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005 for his services in sports administration. George is survived by his wife Thelma and sons Graham, John and Stuart.

George's funeral will be held at the North Chapel at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, at 2:15pm on Monday, 20 December 2010.

George-s family has requested that, instead of flowers, donations are made to the Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia (www.mndresearch.asn.au)

To donate or find out more about the Motor Neurone Disease Service click here