December 16 – Well-known former football administrator George Dick has died, the Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced.
Born in Aberdeen, Dick emigrated to New Zealand after the war where he captained Wellington in the local league.
He was also selected to represent New Zealand but did not make an appearance.
Mr Dick and his family moved to Australia in 1960 and he quickly became immersed in football.
He went on to become President of Manly Warringah (1974-1981), chairman of the NSW State League (1982-1984) and vice president of the NSW Soccer Federation (1984-1991).
Dick was instrumental in his involvement in Manly Warringah football circles, holding an influential role in obtaining the land and building the clubhouse.
He had always had a genuine ongoing interest in the people and operations of football in Manly Warringah.
Project manager for the 1993 FIFA World Youth Cup, held in Australia – which contributed greatly to Australia’s successful bid to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – Dick was vice-president of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) from 1990 to 1998 and honorary vice-president from 1998 to 2003.
During his tenure with the OFC he helped restore relations between Australia and the island nations, monitored financial operations and assisted in establishing a full-time secretariat and development programs.
He was also an executive member of the Australia Soccer Federation (ASF) from 1984 to 1990 and a director of Northern Spirit in the former National Soccer League.
Dick continued working as a football administrator with the Football Federation Australia (FFA), in particular with the development of Futsal, up until his retirement in 2006.
He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2008, holds multiple life memberships and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2005 for his services in sports administration.
Dick is survived by his wife Thelma and sons Graham, John and Stuart.