Northern NSW Football is delighted to announce the recipients of its Female Football Week 2025 awards.
Awards were presented at NNSWF’s annual Female Football Week Networking Event held at Pier Ninety Seven on Friday night.
The event was attended by almost 60 guests to recognise and highlight the contribution that women and girls make throughout all levels of the game throughout northern NSW from grassroots football to NPL Women’s NNSW.
Niav Owens was the master of ceremonies for the event which featured guests including Football Australia Media Manager – Women’s Football & Community Ann Odong, NSW Minister for Women Hon. Jodie Harrison and Matildas Alumni Alicia Ferguson who spoke about their experiences in women’s sport.
NNSWF General Manager Women & Girls, Participation Allana Neeve said the night was a great success.
“The event was a fantastic opportunity for supporters of women’s football with the same passions to come together in one space,” Neeve said.
“Congratulations to the award winners who contribute so much to their football community. They are all very deserving and we thank them for their hard work and dedication.”
2025 NNSWF FEMALE FOOTBALL WEEK AWARD WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP
Winner - Player of the Year
Ella Williamson
Ella comes from a dedicated club family and is an asset to Pacific Palms FC as a committed and passionate young footballer.
Ella is a junior coach who helps mentor up-and-coming footballers at the club from the ages of two to 12.
In 2024, Ella was the youngest player in the club’s women’s team and was appointed the team captain. She has a clear love for the game and in 2025, she plays in the under-18s men’s team due to no women’s teams but continuously outshines her male teammates, named player of the match in round one.
Runner Up - Player of the Year
Kylie McDonald
Kylie is a long-standing prominent member of Boambee FC as a Women’s Premier League player. She is a respected member of the local football community and mentor to many.
Kylie has won multiple Premier League championships and has been awarded the golden boot a number of times. She played a pivotal role in the club’s return to the local Women’s Premier League in recruiting players and giving young players at the club the opportunity to step up into the senior space.
Kylie is the head coach of the under-16s girls' team and has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and skills with the team to help develop the next generation of players.
Runner Up - Player of the Year
Isabella Ragno
Isabella is one of the most respected senior women’s players at Tuncurry Forster FC. Her coach and team regard her as a strong, inclusive leader who consistently supports her teammates.
Last season, Isabella was awarded the Players’ Player award and in 2025, she has been appointed as the senior vice captain and invited into the senior leadership group. She is also on the club’s committee as the Female Senior Players Representative.
Isabella tirelessly helps her teammates to become better versions of themselves on and off the field and volunteers to assist the coaches for the younger female teams to help provide positive and supportive pathways for women and girls in the area.
Winner - Coach of the Year
Kate Eldering
Kate is an outstanding, dedicated leader at Armidale City Westside FC who has significantly contributed to the club on and off the pitch.
Kate is the most qualified coach at the club as she holds a Football Australia/AFC ‘B’ Diploma and has played an instrumental role in helping the club get into the inaugural Northern NSW Regional Super League competition.
Kate has served as captain and coach of the women’s side, which has won three back-to-back premierships. She is a highly regarded and respected figure among the local football community who has a strong relationship with match officials and opposing coaches.
Players want to be coached by Kate not only for her in-depth football knowledge but for how she creates a supportive and inclusive environment where all are welcome. She has played a major role in rebuilding the club’s inclusive culture and female cohort of players and coaches at all levels of the game.
Runner Up - Coach of the Year
Melanie Foster
Melaine is the coach of the under-10s girls team at Charlestown Junior FC and has been with this group for a number of years. She also played a pivotal role in creating an over-30s women’s team for season 2025, which she will help coach.
Melanie aims to empower her players on and off the pitch, with her main objectives for every training and matchday to make the girls feel safe, have fun and strive to improve physically and mentally.
Melanie is always looking for opportunities to make the club a welcoming place for women and girls. She has a calm personality, an approachable demeanour and the whole club community benefits from her presence.
Runner Up - Coach of the Year
Donna Smith
Donna has coached the women’s team at Corindi Red Rock FC for many years. She lives for the game and enjoys teaching women and young girls the tricks of the trade.
In the space of one season, Donna took her team from last-place to top of the table.
Donna is very welcoming to new players and treats everyone like family. Win or lose, she is supportive and remains positive.
Winner - Referee of the Year
Mya Weiley
Mya has been a referee with Football Mid North Coast for a number of years. She referees across various age groups and competitions, including Premier Youth League, Zone Football League, Champion of Champions and the Women’s State Cup.
Mya always makes herself available to referee numerous games across any given weekend and will fill in last minute when and where needed. She is a well-respected, approachable match official who explains her calls and supports up-and-coming referees.
Mya has inspired others in the region to gain refereeing accreditations and others to volunteer to step up and help out with refereeing when needed. She is always looking to improve her skills, completing courses to secure further qualifications.
Runner Up - Referee of the Year
Isabella Walshe
Isabella is a dedicated referee who officiates across multiple competitions and divisions, including Premier Youth League, HIT106.9 Northern League One, NPL NNSW and Champion of Champions as a member of Northern NSW Football Referees.
Isabella is seen as a mentor by young referees and is a respected part of the local football community. She demonstrates fairness, integrity, honesty and respect in her officiating.
Isabella is always looking to build on her skills by attending development camps and training seminars.
Runner Up - Referee of the Year
Annie Hook
Annie is registered as a referee with NNSWF – Northern Inland and is based predominantly in Tamworth. She is a highly engaged, motivated and respected member of the footballing community.
Annie is focused on improving the game through fairness, integrity, honesty and respect and has a passion for the game. She shows dedicated commitment to training and learning, attending as many teaching and information opportunities as possible.
Annie is a positive role model for other current and aspiring match officials in the area who has made a positive impact on the region.
Winner – Volunteer of the Year
Rachel Slee
Rachel is an exceptional volunteer for Valentine FC, demonstrating outstanding leadership, dedication and passion for the development of female football.
Since joining the committee in 2022, Rachel has played an instrumental role in driving significant growth within the club’s female football programs. Under her guidance, the club has achieved a two-star rating in Football Australia’s Game Changer program as well as gold status within NNSWF’s Junior Development League program.
Rachel launched a girls’ football program at the start of 2025 and coaches one of the club’s JDL girls’ teams. She is deeply committed to the success of the club’s programs and consistently goes above and beyond to dedicate countless hours each week to ensure the smooth operation of the club.
Rachel’s outstanding efforts have not only contributed to the growth of Valentine FC but have also positively impacted the broader community by fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for female players.
Runner Up – Volunteer of the Year
Christina Cotroneo
Christina has been the president of Lismore Thistles SC for more than two years and has also held many other committee positions in her time with the club.
Christina has played an integral role in helping to rebuild the club after the impact of COVID-19 and the floods that struck the region. She has led a remarkable resurgence of the club and has increased participation across all age groups, especially within the women and girls’ teams.
Christina’s efforts have enhanced the atmosphere and camaraderie within the club, fostering a positive and supportive environment for all. She is always available to help others, offering her unwavering support to all members of the club.
Runner Up – Volunteer of the Year
Jacky Polson
Jacky goes above and beyond for Crescent Head FC with a deep passion for assisting women and girls to grow and achieve.
Jacky is not only the club registrar but also liaises with board members, coaches and parents to manage fair and equitable team structures across all grades from under-6s to seniors.
Jacky was instrumental in assisting the club with achieving their Football Australia Club Changer level one status and continues to help the club achieve their level two rating.
Jacky also plays for the club, manages the senior women’s team and coaches the under-9s mixed team. She also initiated a 9-a-side all-girls competition in the local area to help maintain opportunities for young girls.
Community Champion Winner
Stephen Graham – Lake Macquarie City FC
Steve is the president of Lake Macquarie City FC and is a leader that every club aspires to have. He is a strong ally in women and girls’ football, constantly working hard to make sure female players, coaches and volunteers feel seen, heard and valued.
Under Steve’s leadership, the club have launched Junior Development League, Premier Youth League Girls and NPL Women’s NNSW programs, which have given local women and girls more opportunities to thrive in the game.
Steve is determined to give every woman and girl from Coles MiniRoos to seniors the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. Through his leadership, kindness and unwavering belief in equality, Steve is creating a better future for women and girls in football.
Club Champion Runner Up
David Thomas – New Lambton Junior FC
David is the Vice President of the New Lambton Junior Football Club and has been a driving force in advancing gender equality within the game.
David established the club’s Female Football Consultative Committee, which provides a dedicated forum to elevate female voices and help shape decisions that directly impact women and girls at the club.
David has played an instrumental role in securing multiple grants that have focused on improving female participation, including female-friendly change room upgrades and a female football festival.
Club Champion Runner Up
Matthew Bass – University of Newcastle FC
Matt is a dedicated individual who coaches the Women’s All Age A Grade team at the University of Newcastle FC and has played an instrumental role in growing women’s football at the club.
Matt has a passion for giving each player the best environment to thrive, advocating for equality in technical expertise, amenities and training opportunities.
Club of the Year Winner
Urunga FC
Urunga FC has one of the strongest female presences in northern NSW, with female players making up 41 per cent of total players at the club.
The club has women and girls’ teams of all ages, including Coles MiniRoos, juniors, seniors and masters.
Urunga FC has four females holding prominent positions including president, player delegate, social media/marketing and canteen supervisor.
Urunga FC’s Women’s Premier League team were minor premiers in 2020, 2022 and 2024 and featured in grand finals over the last five years.
As a club, Urunga FC celebrates their female players, coaches and volunteers through initiatives like Female Football Week and by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. They encourage young females to undertake coaching and refereeing courses, with the club willing to contribute to travel and accommodation costs.
Club of the Year Runner Up
Lismore Thistles SC
Lismore Thistles SC is a small, community-focused football club that has faced significant challenges in recent times, including COVID-19 and flooding.
The floods caused severe damage to the clubhouse and fields but, thanks to a dedicated committee and football community, they are on the path to recovery.
In the last two years, Lismore Thistles' participation rates have flourished, adding two senior women’s teams and three junior girls' teams to the club. The club has appointed two Female Participation Officers, who partner with the junior technical director to run workshops at local schools and help to encourage more women and girls from their region to play football.
Club of the Year Runner Up
Great Lakes United FC
Great Lakes United FC has seen significant growth in players in recent years. For season 2025 the club will have seven all-female teams and three mixed teams.
With the club forming more girls’ teams, Football Mid North Coast were able to create two all-girls competitions in the under-6/7s and under-8/9s age groups. Great Lakes United organises and hosts a Summer 6s competition and The Viking Challenge in the offseason that includes multiple girls' teams and divisions.
The club has created the role of Female Football Ambassador to be part of their committee to help advocate and promote inclusion of women and girls at the club.
