Richmond Rovers Football Club President Tom Gough was not a junior at the club.

In fact, when he walked into the club in 2011 he did it for a mate and knew no-one.

"I was a nobody but immediately people said 'hello' and made me feel welcome. I cannot thank Rovers enough for taking me in. I now have friends for life, and it has become such a big part of my life," said Gough.

Gough, who is president of the biggest football club in Lismore, was named Football Far North Coast Volunteer of the Year 2020, an award sponsored by Newcastle Permanent Building Society.

"it is nice to get recognition but this is not why I do this. I do this for the juniors, for the club."

Gough, who is in his second year as President of Lismore Richmond Rovers after being on the committee, saw his junior membership increase despite the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A stark contrast to other clubs.

"It was crazy. The six years to 11 years age bracket must have all had enough of being indoors and just came out of the woodwork wanting to join the club," he said.

"I want to thank the people who have done it for a long time, they have created this wonderful club for what it is today.

"However they cannot go on forever and we are getting young people starting to put their hands up a little bit more and like a lot of clubs, we need the new blood."

Richmond Rovers won the Championship Grand Final and Gough said it was a special and emotional day.

"All credit to the coach Scott Murphy as a lot of the younger lads knew Eddie Allen. Ethan Allen played, it was very emotional,' said Goiugh.

"It was good to see so many people come and watch. I have to say that Byron Bay were a bit unlucky but that's football sometimes."

Richmond Rovers win Football Far North Coast's Championship Grand Final. Photo: Richmond Rovers FC