Football Australia congratulates five members of the Australian football family who have been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours.
Two members of the football community, Susan Crow AM (VIC) and Judge Rauf Soulio AM (SA) have received the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia.
Susan Crow AM of East Melbourne has been recognised for her significant service to sports administration, including as Head of Community at Melbourne City FC from 2010 – 2021 and a valued member Football Australia’s Women’s Football Council.
While former President of Football South Australia (2006 – 2016) and Deputy Chairperson of the Asian Football Confederation’s Entry Control Body (judicial body), Judge Rauf Soulio AM, has been nominated for his significant service to multicultural affairs, to the judiciary, and to the community.
Queensland duo Andrew Kendall OAM and Owen Pezet OAM, and New South Wales’ David Swan OAM rounded out the recognition as they received the Medal of the Order (OAM).
Football Australia CEO James Johnson thanked the five for their service to the game, saying all deserved every public acknowledgment for their tireless and ongoing contributions to football.
“The Australia Day Honours List gives us a chance to celebrate and thank some of the incredibly important volunteers and administrators right across our football family,” said Johnson.
“We are delighted for both Susan and Rauf who have held important leadership and governance roles over many years to drive positive change for our sport, and their Member of the Order of Australia honours are richly deserved.
“Andrew, Owen, and David have done so much for our game and the communities they have worked and lived in. They have had a significant impact on many and I am sure I am not alone in thanking them for their commitment to making football and their communities stronger,” concluded Johnson.
The Australia Day 2023 Honours List recognise and celebrates recipients, including 736 in the General Division of the Order of Australia and awards for meritorious, distinguished, and conspicuous service.
Overview of 2023 Australia Day Honours For Football Family
Susan Crow AM of East Melbourne has been recognised for significant service to sports administration, particularly for her services to football. Ms Crow was the Head of Community, Melbourne City Football Club from 2010 – 2021 and been a member of Football Australia’s Women’s Football Council since its formation.
Judge Rauf Soulio AM of South Australia has been recognised for significant service to multicultural affairs, to the judiciary, and to the community, particularly for in contribution to football through positions with Football Federation South Australia and the Asian Football Confederation. Judge Soulio has also been an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport since 2009.
Andrew Kendall OAM of Stanthorpe has been recognised for service to the community through a range of organisations, particularly his contribution to Futsal in both Queensland and Australia. Kendall was the Australian National Team Head Coach from 1998 – 2000, State Coach and Selector (1996-2003), Regional, Club and School Coach (1995-2001), and Founder, Queensland Futsal Association of Coaches.
Owen Pezet OAM from Burpengary East in Queensland has been recognised for service to football. Since 1992, Pezet has contributed significantly to football in Queensland including as a Director at Football Queensland from 2003 – 2006 and was a Life Member in 1998 due to his tireless work with Queensland Junior Soccer Council, Brisbane North and Districts Junior Soccer Association, and North Pine United Soccer Club.
David Swan OAM from Mt Ousley on the South Coast of NSW has been recognised for service to the community through a range of roles, which includes Football South Coast where he has been Deputy Head, Junior Football Council since 2016 and was made a Life Member in 2017.
