This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating two people who have helped shape St Mary’s both on and off the field for more than 15 years — Lauren and James Ind.
James’ journey with St Mary’s began long before the senior club even existed, playing his entire football career through the junior club. When the senior club was first being established, he was one of the first to jump on board and became the club’s inaugural captain, leading our first (and only) team at the time, the Under 19s in 2009, before later captaining the Senior Men.
Lauren’s connection to St Mary’s began through James. As their relationship grew, so did her involvement with the club and she began playing netball in 2011 before stepping into the role of Netball Coordinator in 2013, after being inspired by the hard work of other volunteers.
Reflecting on early years of the senior club, James said it showed just how important volunteers were to the growth of community sport.
“We only had 12 players by February that year, so without some really dedicated people behind the scenes, the club wouldn’t have got off the ground. Everyone just pitched in however they could, and to then field a team and win the club’s first ever game made it even more special.”
Since then, Lauren and James have become two of the club’s most dedicated volunteers.
Over the years, Lauren has also volunteered as Event Coordinator, Secretary and Vice President, and remains an active committee member today. Meanwhile James has always been someone the club could rely on, whether it’s helping behind the bar, cleaning up after functions and even organising events like Past Players Day.
But all the hard work felt worth it when St Mary’s was named Club of the Year in 2018. For Lauren, who was serving as Vice President at the time, the recognition reflected years of commitment from volunteers who had helped build the club both on and off the field.
Their own commitment was later recognised in 2024 when Lauren and James received the Livio Basile Club Person Award, acknowledging their years of service and the lasting impact they continue to have on the St Mary’s community.
Despite the awards and recognition, for Lauren and James it has always been the people and the culture that keeps them coming back.
“The friendships and connections you make through community sport are really special,” Lauren shared.
“We’ve made lifelong friendships at St Mary’s, and now seeing our kids grow up in that community means so much to us. We want to help create and continue that culture for the next generation, just like others did for us.”
Today, their involvement continues with their two gorgeous kids Asher & Emberley now also part of the St Mary’s community.
Thank you, Lauren and James, for everything you continue to do for St Mary’s.
SMFNC 