MUFC proudly recognised two new Life Members at half-time of our Round 1 Men’s 1st Grade match on Friday 6 February, honouring two individuals whose dedication and service to Northern Beaches’ football stretches over four decades.
Linda Ward and David Wilson were presented with the prestigious Life Member award by Manly United Chairman, Ray Fanning.
Linda Ward
Linda’s contribution to football on the Northern Beaches spans more than 40 years, marked by exceptional leadership, advocacy, and governance. She joined the Manly Warringah Football Association Executive in the early 1990s and served as President from 1995 to 2005, the longest-serving President in the Association’s history.
During her tenure, Linda played a pivotal role in the 1998 reunification of the MWFA and the Manly Warringah Dolphins – a defining moment that led to the formation of Manly United Football Club. She was also a strong advocate for the redevelopment of Cromer Park, helping establish a true home for football in the region.
David Wilson
David has been a dedicated and influential figure in Northern Beaches football since 1977, contributing nearly five decades of service across all levels of the game. His involvement has spanned an extraordinary range of roles – as a player, coach, committee member and administrator – leaving a lasting impact on both the Manly United and MWFA communities.
David spent many years involved with local clubs before taking on significant coaching roles with the Manly Warringah Dolphins and later Manly United Football Club, where he guided and mentored players for more than a decade. Widely respected for his calm leadership and technical knowledge, he has long been a strong advocate for player development.
His contribution to football governance has been equally significant. Elected to the MWFA Disciplinary Committee in 2008, David later served in several senior governance roles before being appointed inaugural Chairman of the MWFA Board in 2020, guiding the organisation through a major period of structural change. That same year, he was appointed a Director of Manly United, a role he continues to fulfil today.
Both Linda and David leave a legacy that continues to influence the club and local football today. Their lifelong commitment exemplifies service, integrity and passion for the game, and the club proudly welcomes them both as Life Members of Manly United.
Congratulations to Linda and David in reaching this prestigious milestone – and a heartfelt thank you for all you continue to do for our game.
