Football Australia spotlights Female Football Week and award winners

Football Australia and its Member Federations, Clubs and Associations hosted over 140 community events to help the Australian football community celebrate the biggest ever Female Football Week which ran from 19th-28th May.

The annual celebration saw many inspiring stories being shared among those working in the women and girls’ game in what is set to be the most exciting year in Australian football.

Football Australia acknowledges the Australian Sports Commission in supporting women and girls in football through Legacy ’23 and ‘Our Game’.

Through ‘Our Game’, an initiative of Legacy ‘23, Football Australia highlighted the contribution of women and girls at every level of the game. The theme, #LoveOurGame encouraged participants to embrace their love for the world game and its positive impacts.

2023 also saw the continuation of the National Female Football Week Awards, providing an opportunity to recognise the achievements of community champions across the country and to award individuals for their ongoing commitment to football.

With an overwhelming 430 candidates nominated by Clubs, Associations and Members across five categories, Football Australia announced the winners.

Football Australia’s Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy and Inclusion, Sarah Walsh said “on behalf of Football Australia I wish to congratulate the deserving recipients of this year’s National Female Football Week Awards for their outstanding contribution to football. 

“As we prepare for one of the most exciting years in the history of Australian football, we are determined to achieve our goal of 50:50 gender equity across all areas of the game and will continue to work in partnership with our community to make this vision a reality.”

Volunteer of the Year winner, Amanda Kaspaskis (pictured above) was referred to as, “the bones of Edgewood Junior Soccer Club. Without her the club would fall apart.”

Liaising with council, Kaspaskis spends her time campaigning for upgrades and improvements for her club. She also acts as Registrar, knowing 830 players by name and providing them with once-in-a lifetime opportunities such as running out for both National Team and A-League games.

Football Australia partnered with CommBank on the Coach of the Year award. From supporting grassroots initiatives to the elite game, CommBank reaffirmed their commitment to growing football and creating more opportunities for all to be involved in the game.

Coaching is critical to creating an inclusive and supportive sporting landscape, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

CommBank Coach of the Year winner, Ann Gourley (pictured above), has been coaching at Gosnell City Football Club for five years, working on the development of the female football program in the U12-U16 women’s sides.  

She was nominated for, “creating a safe and supportive environment, where the girls can interact with their community and their sport in a positive manner, allowing them to flourish into great young women and footballers.

"I have not witnessed a dedication to a club and to the players as she demonstrates,” her nominator said.

Referee of the Year winner, Catalina Stylianou (pictured above) has been a registered referee for four years and has continued to grow, learn and develop through referee training and progression in both football and futsal.

Stylianou was nominated for her professionalism and, “countless hours supporting new referees in their journey.”

“She has grown to become a strong equitable and fair referee in all junior levels. She is also developing into a strong senior referee across Sunshine Coast and Brisbane,” her nominator said.

“Watching Catalina lead a team of three female referees on an U18s boys’ game was inspiring!"

Player of the Year winner, Francesca Blyth (pictured above) is the captain of the United Warriors FC Women’s team. She is known across her community as someone who plays respectfully and with love for both her teammates and her opponents. 

She was nominated for her, “commitment to volunteering at the junior level, including her time after work as a Speech Pathologist, taking on canteen duty, assisting onsite at junior games, developing inclusivity initiatives for our younger female players and just generally embodying the philosophy of fair play.” 

Ally of the Year winner, Anouk (pictured above) has been described as a “trailblazer,” by those who nominated her. The Sale Men's and LVSL U18 Boys rep team coach is a true advocate of female football, “organising the GOSevens, GOFives, GOGirls and GOSoccerMums programs, while also taking on the role as a Football Australia Schools program deliverer at local primary and special schools. She also coaches holiday clinics in her spare time.

“Anouk coordinated coaching and referee courses, ‘come and try’ days and tournaments. She also supports junior coaches and was part of Gippsports ‘LetUsPlay’ campaign. She is a true ally of female football, and her encouragement has been instrumental in seeing more females get involved in football at both playing & coaching levels.”

Other activities across the 10-day celebration included three online webinars covering Women in Coaching, Women in Referreeing and Celebrating Women in Football. With a panel of world-class coaches, referees, administrators and players, participants were given insights and encouragement to utilise on their own path to success as a girl or a woman in football.

The event also saw empowering stories of women being shared including Powerchair footballer, Rebecca Evans and the dreams of Angelica Georgopoulos who aims to be the first female FIFA President, while Football Freestyler, Susan Sohar showed the Our Game audience how to take their "tekkers" to the next level, demonstrating three football tricks that are sure to impress on the pitch.

For more on ‘Our Game’ go to ourgameaus.com.au 

All image. Credit: Football Australia