It’s 8.00 am on Saturday morning, and the distinctive Scottish accent of Alan Davidson wafts across the netball courts, as match day set up starts. Alan, originally from Falkirk, in Central Scotland, is helping to put up the marquee, set up the scoreboard, put padding on the goal posts and numerous other tasks undertaken before play starts.
Later in the day, Alan assists with formalities, including welcoming opposition clubs to Echuca. Alan’s love of photography initially saw him taking photos of his daughter Alice on court for the Under 15’s. His talents were soon recognised and Alan is now a valued member of the Netball committee, with responsibility for social media. Alan and Netball President, Mick Devlin, conduct courtside interviews with players & coaches.
As well as cheering on Alice in the 17’s, Alan also compiles match reports, and takes photos and videos of the on-court action in all grades. All of this content is posted onto Netty Chatter and the EFNC Facebook page & website, www.echucafnc.com.au
This year, Alan instigated the very popular Netty Star of the Week profile, in conjunction with the Caledonian Hotel. Alan’s work attracts hundreds of “likes” a week, as a large & appreciative audience follow his promotion of the Echuca Netball Club on social media.
Away from the netball courts, Alan has been a passionate Grade 2 teacher, at Moama Grammar, since the school opened, 15 years ago. He originally came to Echuca on a 12 month international teaching exchange program in the early 2000’s. Missing the climate & lifestyle, Alan returned in 2005 with permanent resident visa in hand and the rest is history.
Fortunately, teaching offers plentiful holidays to enable Alan to pursue his diverse array of interests. Alan is a fanatical soccer fan & hasn’t missed watching a Liverpool game in the last 5 years; regardless of the kickoff time. His soccer passion isn’t confined to the couch; as Alan played and coached at the local Border Raider’s soccer club until his early 50’s and won the Bendigo Soccer League’s Reserve Grade B & F medal at age 52.
Surprisingly, soccer isn’t Alan’s number one passion. Instead, it’s collecting original artwork, be it landscape, modern or abstract. Alan relishes his involvement with local art groups and galleries. When not procuring new works of art, he can be found working in his garden, busily potting up succulents for sale.
If you want some succulents for your garden, Alan is the man. Alan follows St Kilda in the AFL, as it reminds him of the St Kilda archipelago, off Scotland’s north-west coast.
Alan enjoys a cold beer and good Indian food. Watching the antics of Rowan Atkinson, as Black Adder on TV, is guaranteed to get Alan chuckling. Music also plays a big part in his life, with his favourite singers being James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.
Alan would invite daughter Alice, David Bowie (singer), Quentin Tarantino (movie director), Sir Kenny Dalglish (Scottish soccer player & manager) & Rick Mayall (English comedian, actor & writer) to his dream dinner party. No doubt his guests would be impressed with the passion & expertise Alan brings to his many & varied interests.
