The quiet achievers of OTGAFC

Old Trinity "McGrath" Business Lunch 2025

At the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club (OTGAFC), the green and gold has always stood for more than just football. It represents a community bound by passion, history, and support. Among its ranks are players and supporters who have given so much of themselves, not for applause or accolades, but simply for the love of the game and the people around them.

Every so often, the club pauses to shine a light on the community through the award of Honourary Life Membership. It is the highest recognition the club can give, reserved for those whose dedication has been extraordinary. Some earn it by sheer endurance-playing more than 200 games or serving on committee for over a decade. Others earn it in less obvious ways: the tireless helpers who organise, support and build the Club through many volunteer hours.

For those honoured, the recognition often comes as a shock. When Steph Bull and Ed Beasley (OTG 2011) were recently named Life Members, both admitted to being “blown away.” In their eyes, they had only been doing what they loved-turning up, helping out, being part of the OTGAFC family.

Long-time contributor Gil van der Venne echoed this sentiment, reflecting on just how deeply the club has shaped his life:

Old Trinity Amateur Football Club has been central to my life for well over 20 years. The Club adopts ethos and values that I regard as critical to the lives of young people in sport and in life. It is a huge privilege to be recognised for my contribution to the lives of others.

Receiving this award further deepens their bond with the club. Life Members are the heartbeat of OTGAFC. They remind us that a football club is more than just wins and losses. It is built on countless small acts of dedication: the committee meetings that stretch late into the night, the time spent setting up grounds, the encouragement given to a young player finding their feet.

When the club gathers to award Life Membership, it is not only to celebrate individuals. It is to remind the entire community of what makes OTGAFC strong: a spirit of generosity, service and connection that stretches far beyond the boundary line. In recognising our Life Members, we celebrate the very best of who we are.

OTGAFC Life members

Spring 2025