Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) announced Smith as Northern Inland Football's Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Month for August 2019.

Each month, one registered coach from the NNSWF's seven Member Zones is awarded the Community Coach of the Month.

"It is very pleasing to be able to recognise Darrel for displaying the attitudes and behaviours that NNSWF is trying to instil in all Community Coaches," NNSWF Senior Officer Community Football Ross Hicks commented.

"Providing an effective learning environment in a safe and fun way is key to Moree Services FC providing a positive football experience to their players and Darrel should be commended for his commitment to the club and the team."

Smith was quite surprised when he found out he'd won the award.

"It's pretty good to get recognition for the work we've done for the last 15 years," he said.

"It's not just me. It's other people in the club."

All award winners receive a coaching pack inclusive of balls, markers, bibs, whistle, polo shirt and cap courtesy of Newcastle Permanent which can benefit the club in a big way.

Smith said he is looking forward to putting the new equipment to good use.

"We're looking at trying to set up a women's soccer training to encourage more women to play seeing as we've had a couple of women's games," he said.

"So that's where it'll mainly be used, for that area."

He's very grateful for the recognition and for the Moree Services FC to be highlighted.

"It's really good that people from outside Newcastle, Tamworth, Armidale get recognised and they are looking around," he said.

"I think a lot of people don't look past those bigger centres to see how any of the sports are going."