Ted Boyle is an unsung hero of the Narre Warren Football Club. The club legend has dedicated 30 years of service to the Magpies and has witnessed the highs and lows of local football. Picture: Mike Richards.Ted and his late wife Wendy, with the perpetual shield named in their honour.By Glen Atwell
AFTER 30 years of service to his beloved Magpies, Ted Boyle is undoubtedly an unsung hero of the Narre Warren Football Club.
The 78yearold has compiled an impressive list of achievements during his time at the proud Casey Cardinia club and, despite his playing a lesser role this season, he still has legendary status at Kalora Park.
But Ted is the first to recognise that his wife, Wendy, who died last August, was the reason he first became involved all those years ago.
“Wendy was involved with the club before we married and it wasn’t until we moved to the area that I became more and more involved,” he said.
The club awards a trophy each year in the couple’s honour, the Ted and Wendy Boyle Perpetual Shield, for the best club person.
Ted has served as barman, trainer, handyman, vicepresident, president and gatekeeper.
“The only thing I haven’t done is coached the lot of them,” he laughed.
During his longtime involvement with the club, Ted has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows, both on and off the field.
“There’s been years when things have looked dire, we’ve had to borrow money,” he said.
“I threw myself into the presidency position during the tough times.
“But Narre Warren Football Club has always bounced back and at the moment the club is stronger than ever.”
Ted said the club was familyoriented and everyone involved felt a part of closelyknit team.
“Even though this year I’ve taken a step back in terms of active roles, I still get down and have meals on Thursday nights and feel as welcome as ever,” he said.
Ted attends as many home games as he can and gets a kick out of watching former AFL player Brett Evans snare a bag of goals.
“‘The Birdman’ is the best player I’ve ever seen go through the club, he is so skilful and just great to watch,” Ted said.
Ted Boyle from Narre Warren Football Club is this week’s Pakenham Gazette Unsung Hero. To nominate an unsung hero from your club, email sportstarnewsgroup.com.au with the name and contact details of the nominated person, their role within the club, their length of service and the reasons they would be a worthy Unsung Hero nominee.
Every Unsung Hero receives a $250 Harvey Norman gift voucher in recognition of their efforts. Every club represented by an Unsung Hero will be in the running to win a plasma television, courtesy of Harvey Norman, at the end of the season.
