Albany and Districts Cricket Association president Ryan Kinnear wins WA cricket volunteer of the year gong

Outgoing Albany and Districts Cricket Association president Ryan Kinnear has been recognised for his unwavering efforts to Great Southern cricket by being awarded male country volunteer of the year at the WA Community Cricket Awards.

Kinnear was one of three finalists, including Great Southern counterpart Liam Want (Kojonup Cricket Club), nominated for the gong celebrated on March 18 at the WACA.

The 33-year-old said he was extremely proud of the achievement and can look back fondly on his past two years knowing the game is in a good place.

When you take these things on, I think you’re got to have the best intentions and I’ve put in as much as I can, within the last two years as president but also five years before that,

“I’m pretty confident I leave the role with cricket in a pretty good position,” Kinnear said.

“It’s challenging but rewarding and it’s the type of role where you can see you’re making a difference in the sport.

“I think probably one thing I’d reflect back on is sort of if you put the work in results will happen.

“It’s a pretty good honour to be bestowed upon and I am pretty proud to receive it, but I was definitely surprised to get it.”

Kinnear said being involved in organising Albany’s premier cricket tournament the Southern Smash and aiding in the construction of the Albany Indoor Sports Centre was something he cherished.

“I think probably collectively what we (the ADCA) have done with the Southern Smash and helping get the indoor centre up and running is something I will look back on with a bit of pride,” he said.

“We have a group of four or five guys who put in quite a few months of work (for the Southern Smash) which is probably near a couple of hundred hours.

“Now it’s turned into a bit of a fundraiser for the cricket community down here but also a great event to showcase the talented cricketers as well.”

After serving five years as deputy president followed by two years as president of the association, Kinnear has opted to call time on his tenure after unfortunately losing the love of the game.

“Personally I’ve just lost a little bit of love for the sport itself.

“I need time to probably enjoy myself a little bit more but still stay involved.”

Jeremy Stewart from lead association sponsor Merrifield Real Estate nominated Kinnear for the role after observing his unwavering efforts for Great Southern cricket.

“Ryan has put in an incredible amount of work and effort to cricket in general across the Great Southern and Albany in particular for a very long period of time,” he said.

“Well beyond the two years that he served as association president.

“He does a lot of work behind the scenes and Albany cricket wouldn’t be in the position it’s in without him.

“He’s gonna leave a massive hole ... in that role.”

A new ADCA president will be appointed at the annual general meeting in July.