Bill Turner was synonymous with football in this region and his legacy to the game will continue through the cup named in his honour.

The award recognises volunteers who embody dedication, commitment and love for the game.

"It was a bit of a surprise and I was overcome and overwhelmed," Parsons said.

"It is not often that I am short of a word and I certainly struggled with the concept, particularly when I saw my name come up on the screen.

"The award recognises a significant contribution to the football community in terms of the administration of the game of football.

"Certainly, part of my being given this accolade is on behalf of those very tireless people who help put the game of football on the park each week," he said.

"This award is given just once a year and I am humbled to be selected as one of those recipients."

Parsons said receiving awards and accolades are nice but the rewards are in doing the job itself.

He said the award also gave him a bit more passion and ambition to continue to push ahead with his vision for the code on the Mid-North Coast.

The only downside to the award presentation was that his family was not present on the night, he admitted.

"But the room was packed with football lovers and many of my peers," he added.

Parsons has spent 12 years on the Football Mid North Coast board - the last four as chairman. He also served on the former Manning Soccer Association and was heavily involved in the referee ranks for many years.

The chairman said he was quietly surprised by the level of his involvement in the code.

Parsons started as an under 6 player with Concord United before moving through the junior ranks. He played semi professional football for Western Suburbs, Granville and APIA Leichardt in the early 1970s.

He played in the Richmond Premier League and with Coffs United before making the move to the Manning Valley where he played with Tinonee and Taree Wildcats.

After moving into coaching, he took control of the SYL Manning under 16s and under 17/18 teams.

Joining the refereeing ranks in 2002, he progressed through to branch coach, holding several positions on the referees association.

He joined the FMNC board in 2007 taking over as chairman in 2015. He fronts a Saturday Sports program on radio in the Manning each week.

While buoyed to receive the award, Parsons was adamant there was still plenty to do in the chairman's role.

He is up for re-election to the board at the November annual meeting and, if successful, will also look for re-election to the chairman's role.

"Getting our regional stadium built at Sovereign Hills and seeing that through to finality ranks highly," he said.

"We are also working on dealing with local, state and federal governments to get better facilities at our grounds, particularly for our women and young players.

"We have achieved a lot over the last few years in terms of new facilities but more needs to be done.

"And therein lies my legacy for the sport - to leave it in a better place for future players, officials and spectators," he said.

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