Local Legends: Fueling the umpires for over a decade

Kim Caldwell is one of those truly special individuals in community football. She is selfless and passionate without ever expecting anything in return for her efforts.

Kim’s connection to local football began through her involvement with her son William’s umpiring career. William, who has been diagnosed with autism, has been umpiring local footy since 2005 after a suggestion from a school basketball referee that he would be good at it.

Since he began, Kim has taken him to his umpire training and matches each week, becoming heavily involved in a number of umpiring groups over the years.

Kim's longest standing involvement has been with the Eastern Football League Umpires Association (EFLUA). Where she could have simply stood on the sidelines and supported her son, true to Kim’s nature, she has gone above and beyond for the Umpires Association and has been making meals for them for the last 10 years.

Every Wednesday night throughout the footy season, Kim will make meals for 50-60 people at umpire training. For any social event at the EFLUA, Kim is front and centre, helping out wherever needed with the catering, along with helping to provide the usual potato cakes, dim sims, chips that are staples at any football event.

During pre-season umpire training, Kim will regularly bring out watermelon, grapes and lollies to the umpires after a gruelling session in the summer heat, and she refuses to accept any form of payment for her generosity.

EFLUA President, David Parker, said that Kim is a treasure to their association, and they are so lucky to have her.

“Kim is an absolute workhorse within our club. She goes above and beyond, not just for her son William, but to all umpires in the EFNL," he said.

Warren Hillier, who is a Life Member of EFLUA, commends Kim for her dedication to the EFLUA over the past decade.

“Kim is the heart and soul of our club. Always has a gorgeous smile on her face and is always the first to help out wherever needed,” he said.

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.

Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, AFL Victoria wants to celebrate the people who are the backbone of community football clubs. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.

Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is.

Do you know someone with a great story like Kim's? Nominate them now.