Manly Warringah Football Association would like to congratulate Leon Brilman on receiving the MWFA’s Meritorious Service Award for his ongoing dedication and commitment to the CC Strikers and years of devotion to the game of football as a player and referee.
Leon has been involved with football on the Northern Beaches since the early 1970’s, starting as a junior in the now defunct Manly Soccer Club and only retiring from playing in 2020. He has been a registered referee starting at the age of 15 and continues to officiate at both winter and summer football competitions to this day.
Leon’s association with Collaroy Cromer Strikers started in 2005 when he joined the mighty Over 35’s team as the always reliable man “between the sticks”. Well, reliable may be a bit of a stretch but his management of the team esky is legendary amongst the senior players.
He has been a member of the Strikers committee for over 10 years holding various positions during this period. In each of the past 5 seasons he has held the multiple positions of groundsman, gear steward, delegate to MWFA and a member of the Striker’s executive.
Leon is solely responsible for the order of kits and equipment for the entire club. The preseason is filled with him sorting the 1600+ shirts, socks, and training equipment into team bags for the Coaches and Managers. Each season sees him setting up his garage for the usual stampede of parents wanting to swap gear that may not be the correct sizing for their kids.
During the season you will see him at 7:00am every Saturday and Sunday morning setting up the St Matthews fields and then bringing the equipment back in at the end of the day … all in his bare feet.
He is the first to volunteer for additional roles around the club, assisting on registration days, mustering and being the general handyman around the clubhouse and always with a smile on his face.
Leon was also awarded the MWFA Club Person of the Year in 2020 for his ongoing service to the Manly Warringah football community.
