Two promising members of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy have been awarded scholarships in honour of a much-admired member of the Swans community who died in 2015.
Frank Burton, a former employee of the Swans, club member for more than 30 years and a fanatical fan of the team, left a generous legacy to the Swans Foundation.
The Foundation, at Frank's request, has allocated part of the legacy to an annual scholarship to assist two Swans Academy players to further their football development.
The inaugural recipients of the Frank Burton Scholarships are Sam Eynaud, who plays for the Pennant Hills club, and Marc Sheather, who plays for Terrigal on the Central Coast. Both are in the Under 15 age group this year.
Sam and Marc received their scholarships at the Chairman’s Function before the Sydney Swans game against Fremantle at the SCG on 12 August.
Members of Frank Burton’s family including his mother and siblings attended the function and were pleased to see Frank remembered with a cause so close to his heart.
Former Swans director, Andrew McMaster, said Frank’s passion for the Sydney Swans was a great constant in his life for many years. “He was a member for over 30 years, missing only a handful of home games in that time,’’ Andrew McMaster said.
Frank’s favourite player was Paul Kelly, followed closely by Jude Bolton, and he saw the Swans play in five Grand Finals. Frank also worked for the Club as Chief Financial Officer in the early 1990s.
The general manager of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Chris Smith, and the Academy head coach, Jared Crouch, nominated Marc and Sam for the scholarships based on their exemplary attitude.
“Both boys are perfect candidates for the first Frank Burton scholarships,’’ Chris Smith said.
“They are 100 per cent committed to our Swans Academy program and they are willing to do everything required of them without fuss or fanfare.
“We chose Sam and Marc based on their character, work ethic and the leadership they show to other boys in their age group,’’ he said.
Marc said he was honoured to receive the scholarship and it would be a great help to him and his family.
“I was amazed that I was picked to get the scholarship. I seem to grow about a foot taller at the start of every footy season and always need new clothing and footy boots, so the scholarship will really help mum and dad,’’ Marc said.
“And I’m hoping to be picked in some (representative) teams next year so if I make it, it will help with the travel and accommodation.’’
The Sydney Swans Foundation provides significant funding to support the operational expenses of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, helping the development of the next generation of AFL Sydney Swans players, as well as the Youth Girls program.
To find out more about the Sydney Swans Foundation click on http://sydneyswansfoundation.org.au/
