Northern NSW Football was delighted to announce the winners of its 2025 Local Champion Awards on Friday night.
The NNSWF Local Champion Awards are a monthly recognition of individuals, teams and clubs who make a difference across the football family, with award winners thanked them for their commitment to their club, team, community and football.
The annual award winners were chosen from recipients of the monthly awards across each of the six categories, with winners recognised in front of more than 500 people at NNSWF’s van Egmond Jennings Awards night at Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday night.
Coach of the Year
Amber Grosser
Amber is a dedicated member of Nelson Bay FC and the coach of the under-12 girls team.
Awarded Coach of the Month for September, Amber is committed to helping her players learn and grow. By having fellow senior club members join training to focus on specific areas of the field, along with chants for match day, she has encouraged fun, sportsmanship and participation to her squad.
She is seen as Nelson Bay’s face of female football and is an inspiration to young girls in the area. Coaching and playing football always with a smile, a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
Club of the Year
Abermain Rams
In 2025 Abermain Rams FC took the initiative to upgrade the club’s facilities after conducting a review of suitability, safety and inclusiveness for the community.
The Club of the Month for July were proactive in engaging with Cessnock City Council, the NNSWF Facilities Fund and other grant funding bodies. As a result, the club have increased overall player numbers, improved lighting, installed drainage and refurbished change rooms.
The club also implemented a female football strategy to promote the club as an inclusive and supportive environment for female participants, while they also appointed a Female Football Coordinator.
Through their efforts with improving their infrastructure the club now has four all-girls teams.
Team of the Year
University of Newcastle Women’s
University of Newcastle Women’s side is one that showcases community, talent and inclusivity.
The Team of the Month for July was the only community side in Group D of the Women’s State Cup and drew with NPL Women’s NNSW side Lake Macquarie City FC in the first game of the tournament.
The team was made up of players from all five of their grades with players aging from 18 to 41 years old, consistently displaying sportsmanship and determination.
Player of the Year
Arliya Stanbury
Arliya plays for Toronto Awaba Junior FC and is a passionate player with incredible support for her teammates.
The Player of the Month for July, Arliya plays a year above in a mixed competition and was selected for the Macquarie Football Community State Youth Championships in the group above.
Arliya has grown throughout the season as a goalkeeper and plays each match full of enthusiasm while respecting her opposition and match officials.
Referee of the Year
Mya Weiley - FMNC
Mya is a registered Football Mid North Coast match official and has refereed for three years.
Named Referee of the Month for April, Mya officiates every weekend and constantly takes part in NNSWF gala days and PYL matches.
Mya officiated her first All Age female match in March 2025 and has not slowed down since.
Mya officiated at this year’s Women’s State Cup in Newcastle and the Champion of Champions tournament in Coffs Harbour where she was named Female Referee of the Tournament.
Volunteer of the Year
Alli Gourley
Alli is Gunnedah and District Soccer Association’s secretary and is the driving force to ensure football happens each season for more than 600 local kids.
The Volunteer of the Month for July, Alli does an incredible amount of work to keep the wheels turning and ensures no player is left behind. She completes team allocation, organises uniforms, registrations and makes sure each team has a coach and manager.
Gunnedah and District Soccer Association believes that Alli’s leadership has built a strong club culture and has made the club a place where kids are supported, families are welcomed and volunteers feel empowered.
NNSWF’s General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contribution to football in northern NSW.
“Without people like Amber, Arliya, Mya and Alli as well as clubs like Abermain Rams FC and Gunnedah & District Soccer Association we wouldn’t have a game. They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.
“It is their commitment to their clubs, teams and football community that make the game and improves the experience of playing football for the people around them.
“We thank them for their contribution and congratulate them on being named the NNSWF Local Champion Awards annual winners for 2025. We wish them all the best for the 2026 season and beyond.