Football Mid North Coast held its annual Zone Presentation Awards on Saturday, September 21. Over 220 people attended the event at Laurieton United Services Club.

Mr Papas has been involved in the sport since he was six-years-old and is now 21-years-old. He's also played in the premier league since he was 15-years-old.

In 2019 he was named as the captain/coach of the premier league and also held the position of coaching coordinator on the committee.

Mr Papas said playing football goes towards his Italian heritage and he loves the community spirit of being involved in the team sport.

At 21-year-old Mr Papas is young to hold high positions for the club but he said it's an honour.

"Even last year it was a joke amongst the guys that I would be coach," he said.

The team has thrived under Mr Papas' command and went on to make the finals.

Mr Papas said he's had no trouble with directing other members of the club who might be years older than him.

"I've been round the block even though I'm so young," he said.

Mr Papas credited the team as being a really tight unit, which works hard to pull off some really fantastic results.

Mr Papas enjoys playing alongside his mates and the "comradery" which comes with being part of a team.

He's hesitant to predict his future and Mr Papas said it's still "early days" on who will get to lead the team in 2020.

However he said he's really enjoyed being captain/coach of the Camden Haven Redbacks premier men's team in 2019.

He intends to keep playing for the Camden Haven Redbacks and helping out the club for as long as he can.

A spokesperson from the club said Riley has had a phenomenal impact on our club over the years, especially this year.

"We are so proud to have Riley as a member, player, volunteer and coach of our club.

"This award is so well deserved."

For more information about the Camden Haven Redbacks, visit the club's Facebook page.