Meet the long-serving and passionate Newcastle Jets volunteer with a family connection to this Sunday’s Hyundai A-League/Westfield W-League double-header at Hunter Stadium.
As Sunday’s back-to-back Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League games conclude the club’s double-headers for the season, foundation volunteer and supporter Evelyn Stonham praised the decision to play both men’s and women’s matches on the same day.
A Jets volunteer since the inaugural 2005/06 season, the time, effort and support Evelyn has put into the club over the past ten years has to be applauded as she has worked with both the A-League and W-League teams on weekends in a multitude of roles.
“I started off as a floor manager for game day, organising the player and coach interviews for half-time, full-time and things like that,” Evelyn explained.
“I get enjoyment out of being able to set up everything and seeing it all run smoothly.”
“It has been lovely meeting people from the administration team, players, coaches, and for that I have been very lucky.”
“I have always worked with the men’s team and every now and then I will help out with the women’s,” she said.
Come Sunday Evelyn’s family will be in the stands for the 2:00pm kick-off, hoping to see her son’s partner – Jets Women’s attacker Rhali Dobson – get on the scoresheet and help Craig Deans’ side to a win over Brisbane Roar’s ladies.
Evelyn will then switch her focus to her volunteer commitments for the Hyundai A-League game, which kicks off at 5:00pm.
“It’s absolutely great and it is going to be a fabulous day,” Evelyn said of the double-header.
“People I have been talking with can’t wait for the double-header because it’s another chance to see the girls [at Hunter Stadium].”
“I’ll be there for the beginning of the double-header doing the things I have to do, watch the girls and then get everything ready for the men,” she said.
Newcastle Jets vs. Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 15
When: Sunday 17 January 2016
Where: Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Gates Open: 1:45pm
Westfield W-League: 2:00pm (Newcastle Jets Women vs. Brisbane Roar Women)
Hyundai A-League: 5:00pm
Social Media: Join the match conversation using #NEWvWEL (A-League) & #NEWvBRI (W-League)
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets (ticket price includes both matches)
