The Tradelink Graydon Poulsen Award was established in 2007 to recognise the significant contribution a club has made toward the well being of an U18 player or players in need.
The Tradelink Graydon Poulsen Award was established in 2007 to recognise the significant contribution a club has made toward the well being of an U18 player or players in need. The award is named after Graydon Poulsen, a severely intellectually impaired young man who was helped and guided through 140 plus games of junior football, culminating in U18’s, by his wonderful club, parents and team mates.
The award can be given for a range of youth support efforts which are outside the playing of the game. Some examples include:
Providing support for youth experiencing difficult home situations – dysfunctional families;
- Using club contacts to assist young players to find work (apprenticeships), achieve purpose in their lives and/or overcome significant personal challenges;
- Assisting the families of young people through difficult times;
- Nurture and support the efforts of talented youth to manage study, training, playing and other demands on their energy and time; and
- Developing a highly socially responsible culture in which youth can maintain their integrity while; taking risks, developing their identity and working toward becoming a valued member of their community.
Tradelink will award a cash prize of $3000 to the winning club with the prize to be used to assist with the funding of the club’s U18 program for the following season. This heartfelt-community award is to be presented annually at the Under 18 Competition Awards Night.