EVERYONE thinks their dad is the best in the world, but when a whole community thinks one man is father of the year then you know he must be special.

Father-of-three and president of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club, Andrew Thomas has been named one of 12 national finalists in the Phillips Community Sports Dad of the Year Award.

Mr Thomas said he was not expecting the nomination, and even admitted his wife would be in trouble for putting his name forward.

"It was a big shock, you don't expect any accolades for what you do,” Mr Thomas said.

"You just do it because your kids are doing it and you want to provide an environment for them to grow up and learn some values.”

The award will be judged on each father's contribution to their local area and the impact they have on children and families, both on and off the sporting field.

Mr Thomas gives a lot to the club and can usually be found at Piggabeen Community Sport Centre on a Saturday running the barbecue, coaching or setting up the fields.

As president of the junior club, Mr Thomas has worked hard to ensure there's a welcoming environment for kids when they step on to the field.

"There's a lot of kids who need somewhere to go and have a bit of a release,” he said.

"We're trying to make it family orientated, make it feel like it's their home and let them feel safe here.”

After doubling their numbers, with almost 120 kids now registered at the club, Mr Thomas said the nomination is more of a reflection of all of the hard work the club is doing in the community.

"It's an indication the club is going forward as a whole, it's not about me,” he said.

"It's not just one person, there's a lot of parents involved. It's about the environment and the feel good atmosphere you get when you're here.”

The winner of the award will be announced on Sunday coinciding with Father's Day.