Up in far northern NSW around the Cudgen Headland Junior Rugby League Club, he’s known as Jeff, Uncle Jeff or Mr Logan.
The much-loved volunteer celebrated 50 years of service this year (1974-2024). Cudgen held a half-century party for him late last month.
“He’s so well-known in the community. He’s done a lot of work within the Catholic schools system, so kids know him from primary school, high school, and from their footy club on the weekends,” said Cudgen Headland executive secretary, Peta Thierjung.
“Parents and former players are very fond of him too. So depending how you know him he is either Jeff, Mr Logan or Uncle Jeff.”
Logan is a former Cudgen player but after giving the game away, he continued to volunteer in coaching and sports trainer roles.
“On game days, he can be seen in an orange shirt and his beloved Bunnies cap, and he is the person our players turn to for strapping and injuries,” Thierjung said.
“It's a proud and exceptional achievement to be still involved in a game he loves 50 years on. He has been there every Saturday, ensuring the safety of players whether you are Cudgen or the opposition club.”
Logan started his volunteer career as a qualified First Aid Officer (FAO) more than 21 years ago starting in the Minis (Under 9s) before transitioning up to Mods (Under 10s-12s), and then international rules (Under 13s-above). Now he’s the club’s sports trainer watching every play and every hit.
“Grassroots football is your first entry into Rugby League. It’s where it all starts and any volunteer who puts the wellbeing of the players first and foremost will always be fondly remembered,” she said.
“Jeff has made the Rugby League experience for so many players enjoyable.
“They may not stay with the sport until their adult years but Jeff gives them such good memories of their junior days. He’s been a wonderful constant.”
He is also very fond of munching on red frogs.
“We sell red frogs in little re-sealable bags in the club canteen on game days and we also make sure Jeff has his bag on the sideline to keep him going.”
The club bought him a decanter with the Cudgen Headland club logo embossed on it with associated words of thanks.
Thierjung was able to find Logan’s original First Aid Officer card and volunteers’ name-photo registration and she had it framed alongside photos of him as a player and sideline official.
Perhaps a 60th celebration is also in the club’s future?
“We’ll keep him for as long as he wants to stay and why wouldn’t we? As long as we can keep supplying him with red frogs I think he’ll stick around.”
He received the Inaugural Teresa Walsh Sports Trainer Trophy and was awarded Club Person of the Year. In 2005 he was awarded life membership of Cudgen Juniors.
