Lia recognised for his services

 

August 22 2000

Shepparton News

Tatura stalwart Mimmo Lia was rewarded for his years of service to the North Eastern Soccer League (NESL) on Saturday night.

Lia, 42, was presented with his third life membership for contribution to sport in the Goulburn Valley during the past three decades.

His latest medallion came from his peers in the NESL.

Lia is also a life member of the Goulburn Valley Football League (GVFL) and Tatura Soccer Club.

The champion sportsman gained the recognition from the GVFL after playing 200 games.

Those games came with stints at Lemnos (Shepparton Swans) and Tatura.

There is not too much that Lia has not done in soccer since he became involved with the game in 1971.

In 1971 Lia was a member of Shepparton City Soccer Club where he spent five seasons.

He was a two-time premiership player with the club's under-16 team under Herbie Mathers.

In 1976 he joined Tatura when he began his love affair with the Ibises.

It's a club that has brought him plenty of despair and joy.

The 1980 premiership was one of his most memorable moments with the club.

Lia was captain-coach of the club's first senior success.

He had to wait a further seven years before another premiership medallion was in the trophy cabinet.

This success came under Mark Farrar.

Unfortunately premierships have eluded the Ibises in the past 13 years.

However that has not dampened his spirit and love for the game.

He has been a player, administrator and coach at club level.

Lia has had four different stints as senior mentor for a total of 10 years.

The four-time senior best and fairest winner has also put his hat into the ring to assist at country championships.

He has been team manager and coach for both senior and junior NESL teams.

Lia said he was thrilled to be awarded the life membership.

"I knew nothing of it," he said.

"It came as a big surprise."

- Sam Saracino