It’s rare for a player to stay with the same club for the majority of their playing career, but to also continue in administration when they have hung up their boots is dedication personified.
David was a Somerset Sharks player from 1985 until 2000, 260 games in all and took over senior coaching duties in 2002/2003.
He was voted club person of the year in 1992 and gained Life Membership in 2002.
He has served on the Executive Committee of the Sharks for 20 years - eight as Treasurer and 12 as President – and more than 28 years on the Committee in total.
David knew that the club would not survive long-term if it did not have a junior pathway coming through to its senior ranks.
He has been heavily involved in the WSSA (Western School Soccer Association), serving on the Executive Committee and assisting with the coaching and operation of the Skill Acquisition Program (SAP). In 2023/24 David was instrumental in establishing the Somerset Junior Development Program.
Originally only 30 juniors signed up, but with David’s dedication to the program there are now hundreds enjoying the SAP program which benefits all the North-West coast, with players travelling from as far afield as the West Coast and Circular Head areas to participate.
David lobbied for the development of the Cardigan Street ground, liaising with grant bodies, government, and peak bodies to get the improvements necessary for the club to move forward. This has resulted in new lights, drainage and resurfacing of the grounds and the current grant to build new change rooms and toilets.
He has been a Junior and Youth Coach in both the North West League and Northern Youth Premier League from 2020 to present day. His advocacy for the sport and tireless efforts to improve junior numbers on the coast is admirable.