A host of representatives from professional and community sport have been recognised at the rebel Female Football awards breakfast on Friday morning.
The ceremony, held annually on International Women’s Day, celebrates achievement in women’s football from national through to grassroots level.
There were awards and nominations up for grabs across the Westfield W-League, Hyundai A-League and member federation categories. Here is a look at all of the winners and nominees…
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Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League awards
rebel Role Model Award – Ally Green (Sydney FC)
Maybe one day Ally Green will be handed the keys to the Sydney FC headquarters, such is her involvement with the Sky Blues.
The Championship-winning defender balanced her Westfield W-League duties with her full-time role as the club’s Fan Engagement Coordinator in the 2017/18 off-season.
It was a position befitting of the Manly United junior’s drive, ambition and commitment to the Sydney FC cause.
Nominated: Clare Wheeler (Newcastle Jets), Leticia McKenna (Perth Glory), Angela Beard (Melbourne Victory), Karly Roestbakken (Canberra United), Jada Whyman (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Coach of the Year – Mel Andreatta (Brisbane Roar)
The Brisbane Roar boss continues to do great things in the Queensland capital.
Since her appointment as head coach in 2016/17, Mel Andreatta has helped develop a group of future stars and guided Brisbane to two semi-final appearances, as well as a premiership win in 2017/18.
Outside of the game, Andreatta encourages players to develop their professional profiles, focusing on areas such as mental health, nutrition, charitable contributions and leadership.
Nominated: Ash Wilson (Newcastle Jets), Jessine Bonzas (Perth Glory), Gulcan Koca (Melbourne Victory), Catherine Cannuli (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Administrator or Support Staff of the Year – Nicola Browne (Newcastle Jets)
Nicola Browne scooped the administrator of the year award for her sterling work at Newcastle Jets as the club’s Finance and HR Manager.
No job is too big or small for Browne, who is an avid supporter and champion of the women’s game.
Nominated: Jessica Allan (Sydney FC), Courtney Marsden (Wellington Phoenix), Sue Blaess (Adelaide United), Jessica Sage (Perth Glory), Jenna Johnstone (Brisbane Roar), Rita Mankowska (Melbourne Victory), Lisa Garner (Canberra United), Natalie Gatt (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Fan of the Year – Chris McAlister (Brisbane Roar)
A long-term fan of the club’s Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League teams, Chris McAlister took out the Female Fan of the Year award for her integral role in forming the Roar Supporters Federation.
A passionate and hard-working fan, who encourages supporters to engage with club operations, McAlister is often seen and heard at Westfield W-League away games as part of the Roar Corps.
Nominated: Rhonda Eaton (Central Coast Mariners), Naomi Munce (Sydney FC), Rebecca Baird (Newcastle Jets), Sue Kuhanez (Melbourne Victory)
Male Champion of the Year – Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory)
An outstanding advocate for the women’s game, former Wales international Jeff Hopkins led Melbourne Victory to their inaugural Premiership win in the Westfield W-League, in the 2018/19 season.
A brilliant mentor, coach and leader, Hopkins is a true champion of the women’s game, demonstrated by the regard in which he is held across the football community.
Nominated: Jeff Stewart (Sutherland Shire Football Association), Clayton McSeveney (Newcastle Jets), Garrath McPherson (Brisbane Roar)
Member Federation awards
Community Player of the Year – Joey Powell (Northern NSW Football)
Taking out the Community Player of the Year award is Joey Powell from Northern NSW Football.
A fabulous mentor who displays exemplary behaviour on and off the pitch, Powell is a deserved winner of the award and a big reason why women’s playing numbers are increasing within the league.
Nominated: Gemma Layfield (Football Queensland), Mawa Sumaoro (Adelaide University Soccer Club / FFSA), Letica McKenna (NTC U19 / Football West), Candela Ferreyra Bas (Football Victoria)
Community Female Coach of the Year – Louise McColl (Football Victoria)
Louise McColl has been an outstanding role model for the women’s game since moving from the UK, where she coached Warrington Town Ladies.
McColl was appointed Technical Director for the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, balancing this with her role coaching 9-15 boys for Football Victoria.
Dedicated to self-improvement, she is currently undertaking her A-Licence in Canberra.
Nominated: Fiona Smith (Football NSW), Alexandra Macdonald (Adelaide University Soccer Club / FFSA), Dani Brady (Football Queensland), Tia Campbell (NNSW Football), Lisa Tana (Balcatta FC / Football West)
Community Female Administrator of the Year – Bethwyn Watt (Abrolhos FC / Football West)
Bethwyn Watt is not only a great administrator for her club, but also assists Football West with regional development programs at every opportunity.
Watt’s work in establishing and founding Abrolhos FC in September 2016, after noticing a shortage of clubs, highlights her thirst for growing the game in her community.
She also holds a position on the Geraldton Junior Soccer Association and coordinates programs helping children from remote country towns get active in the wider football community.
Nominations: Michelle Clarke (Kings Langley FC / Football NSW), Helen Doufos (Adelaide University Soccer Club / FFSA), Kerry Gray (Football Queensland), Lauren Fairfull (Greta Branxton FC / NNSW Football), Zainab Mohammed (Football Federation NT), Ashlee Good (Football Victoria)
Community Female Referee of the Year – Chloe Gray (Football NSW)
A referee with the MDF Referees Association for six years, Chloe Gray has officiated at all levels, including the women’s first grade grand final for the past three years and senior men’s football.
Gray took on the role of female liaison officer in the association and is a valuable mentor to up-and-coming junior referees, establishing a positive culture of respect among her peers.
Nominations: Caitlin Troy (Football Queensland), Jamie Van Dijk (FFSA), Samantha Newell (NNSW Football), Alex Billeter (Football Federation NT), Caleigh Ormerod (Football West), Lauren Riddel (Football Victoria)
Community Male Champion of the Year – Shane Cole (Football West)
Shane Cole single-handedly raised more than $7700 in sponsorship for Collie Power Soccer Club to get Westfield Matilda Sam Kerr to do a coaching clinic.
The impact of the session was amazing and inspired former players and junior girls alike to step up to the senior ranks. Shane is in his thirtieth year at the club and has been president for seven of those years.
Nominations: Lee McGowan (Football Queensland), Derryn Nix (NNSW Football), Bruce Stalder (Football Federation NT), Mick Da Silva (Football NSW)
