SPORT NSW has recognised John Hughes from Gloucester with the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Honour, following decades of unflagging and invaluable service to Northern NSW Football at a grassroots level.
Hughes is among 19 recipients who were presented with their honour at the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards held at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Monday, 30 June.
The Distinguished Long Service Honour recognises individual officials, coaches, administrators, and event organisers who have demonstrated extraordinary unwavering dedication to nurturing and promoting sport in their communities for over 25 years.
In September 1975, a meeting was held to discuss the formation of a Soccer Club in Gloucester.
A trial game was played against Cundletown in March 1976, from which it then progressed.
Hughes was coach and a player in the Senior Team and was instrumental in the formation of the Gloucester Scorpions providing an opportunity for the local community to participate in Football.
He became President in 1979, again in 1984 and held this position continuously for 40 years.
Hughes is the current Club Vice President after handing over the Presidency to his daughter Trudy.
He also served many years on the board of Manning District Soccer Association (now known as Football Mid North Coast) as Vice President.
Hughes is also a local referee officiating in hundreds of matches and assists in running the canteen, acts as grounds person and takes on many other jobs to keep the club running.
He is a current life member of Gloucester Soccer Club and Football Mid North Coast Association.
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