Bristol Paints Volunteer of the Month: Melissa Allan

This month’s Bristol Volunteer of the month is a mother of four, and someone who puts her head down, helps and just keeps on going, a real doer. From canteen supervisor to child protection officer and committee member, Melissa Allan has helped in every facet of Wallsend Touch.

Melissa’s drive to constantly assist her affiliate and give back to the community that has given her family so many opportunities is unwavering. Throughout her time at Wallsend Touch Melissa has not stepped onto the field as a player, however, she’s constantly at the grounds preparing or in the background working away to give participants a seamless experience.

As our Bristol Paint Volunteer of the Month, we speak to Melissa about her role and impact on Touch Football in regional NSW and the incredible role she continues to play at Wallsend.

Congratulations Mel, can you begin by telling us a little bit about your Touch Football journey?

Thanks so much, I’m quite overwhelmed by this accolade – there’s so many people who do so much to help at Wallsend Touch, but I’m also appreciative for the acknowledgement as it’s definitely a love job.

Don’t hold this against me, but I actually haven’t played Touch Football before… I got into helping the club due to my family being so involved and passionate about the game & now I share their views. My daughters started playing when they were young to help out some friends at school and now, we just live and breathe the sport.

I saw how social the game was and heard too many beautiful stories about lifelong friends being made and with the girls enjoying the sport, I thought why not help where I can – I started off with little jobs and then grew into bigger roles as I started to understand the game, what was needed for the participants and to make sure everyone has a good time.

So, we’re always at the fields, the hubby also still plays so it’s also some family time, along with everyone getting their fix of socialising, playing sport, keeping fit, learning and of course, making friends.

What was it about Touch Footy that was so inviting for the family and caught your attention?

It would have to be the friendships that can be developed and fostered. You play week in week out, connect constantly and go through the highs & lows that sport can bring. On top of that the game itself is so accessible, easy to pick-up and play, pending how seriously you take it there’s no training on weekends either and is short sharp, with heaps of benefits.

At the same time though, the options are there if you’re good enough and driven enough to make something out of Touch Footy. The pathways are there to go and play at a State Cup, Inferno National Touch League (NTL), DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC), and eventually represent your country.

You have worn many hats whilst involved in Touch, do you have a favourite or one you’d revisit?

I’ve really enjoyed managing teams throughout my time. Initially that’s how it began and along with my husband coaching it was a simple and cohesive way for us and easy on the team too. As I was always down at the fields, I got to know the lay of the land, what was missing and the roles that needed filling, so in time I decided it was time to jump on the committee in a hybrid role as the operations assistant – basically I was the secretary and treasurer.

My passion has always been with Wallsend, but I have helped out the Hornets at NTLs as well; Wallsend has my heart but managing the young women at NTL was a real pleasure.

Now you asked if there’s a favourite and for me that would be looking after the kids and ensuring they’re safe. That’s my biggest passion.

Now being a child protection officer, what does that entail?

It’s being a voice for the kids. I really love this work. I work in childcare myself and now am the child protection officer which shows my dedication to children and ensuring their safety!

I don’t want kids coming to Touch and having to feel like they can’t see or talk to someone, I want them to be heard and that they can enjoy themselves. It’s an avenue to ensure regulations are adhered to as well and should there be an issue, we have policies to deal with things appropriately

That is really great work! Now, what would be your favourite Touch Footy memory?

Well, I have four kids, two girls, 18 and 17 and twin 11 year old boys + my husband who all play. So, picking one memory here could get me in trouble at home and whilst they all have achieved great things… it would have to be when my daughter made the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) side in 2019. Of course, I really enjoy watching them all play all the time though!

Touch Football won’t end anytime soon for the Allan family. It’s a given we’ll always be down there on a Wednesday or Monday night.

Awesome achievement for your daughter, that’s a tough team to crack! So, what is next for Melissa Allan?

I’m happy with what I’m doing at Wallsend, I won’t be looking for anymore roles or the presidency for that matter – the current one is doing a fine job!

With NTL’s coming up in March and NSW State Cup I’m looking forward to those events. The 20s girls did really well last year, were competitive and made finals so I’m keen to see how they go in 2023!

From a club perspective I just want to continue to support the club, continue to grow the sport in Newcastle (Wallsend) and help the players to continue to provide an inclusive and welcoming club.

Finally, if you were to win the Bristol Paint Volunteer of the Year award and $15,000 worth of prizes towards a home or club renovation – what project comes to mind?

There’d be plenty to do at home, isn’t that always the case? But there is always something that needs doing at the club, so I’d be inclined to use the prize to help down there.

As our Bristol Volunteer of the Month, Melissa is now eligible for the Bristol Paint TFA Volunteer of the Year (VOY) Award. The TFA VOY will receive paint and labour to the value of $15,000 for the refurbishment project of their choice, thanks to our friends at Bristol Paint.

DON’T FORGET – All Touch Footy participants are entitled to 15-20% OFF Bristol Paint products. Download your exclusive discount card on our website, click here, to download your card.