Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Local Champion Awards for May 2024.
The NNSWF Local Champion Awards are a monthly recognition of individuals and teams who make a difference across the football family as we thank them for their commitment to their club, team, community, and football.
Volunteer of the Month
Simone Dykes
Simone holds the title of the Social Media and Marketing Coordinator at Abermain Rams FC.
She can be described as an all-rounder, as she has taken on many additional committee responsibilities since joining the club in 2020.
When COVID-19 restrictions prevented Simone from attending her sons’ games, she decided to volunteer to stay connected to the football community.
Initially daunting, the volunteering experience turned out to be fun and rewarding for Simone, as it allowed her to meet some amazing people and make lifelong friendships.
“With all of those wonderful people working behind the scenes, along with the amazing volunteers helping out at home games,” Dykes said.
“I can only see the club growing and going from strength to strength each year”.
Simone is always taking new roles and responsibilities in her stride, from mentorship and education of other committee members.
Her achievements have extended beyond the field, playing a vital role in securing sponsorships for the 2024 – 2026 period, including signing a major sponsor and designing new jerseys.
In 2025, Simone will have three children who play at Abermain Rams, and hopes to manage one of their teams alongside her husband who coaches.
Described as the glue that holds the Rams committee together, Simone is committed to ensuring the clubs continued longevity and growth.
Coach of the Month
Jenn Hoober
Jenn has been a huge inspiration for female football in the North Coast area through her involvement with Northern Storm FC.
Her coaching expertise shines through her under-16s girls’ team, contributing to the growth of women and girls in football and has attained her ‘C’ Diploma
As the main driving force behind the club’s Female Football Week activations, Jenn has helped facilitate all female football at the club.
Jenn has been a huge inspiration for female football in the region, going above and beyond to create a valuable space for women and girls in the football community.
Her dedication will continue to shape the football community for years to come.
Referee of the Month
Liam Steffens
Liam is an enthusiastic up-and-coming referee at Macquarie Football.
He is eager to referee regardless of the level of competition and goes above and beyond to assist players.
Liam consistently goes out of his way to explain decisions to players to ensure that everyone on the field is understanding of the verdict, with a keen attention to detail.
Demonstrating exceptional dedication, Liam is a valuable asset to the game.
Player of the Month
Aliyah Matri
Aliyah is the only female player in her under-11s team at Gloucester Scorpions SC, embodying an unwavering level of confidence and talent.
Her peers describe her as a keen and positive player, who always has a smile on her face.
Aliyah is always the first at training, and the last to leave, helping set up and pack down with enthusiasm.
She has a bright future ahead of her and is someone that stands out on the field.
Team of the Month
Inverell FC Women’s
Inverell FC Women’s team is an up-and-coming side that have shown excellent skill in the Armidale Women’s Premier League.
They show great respect for their fellow players, opponents, and match officials each week.
The team won the Jan Johnson Cup which involved teams from all across the region.
Club of the Month
Mayfield United Junior Soccer FC
Mayfield United Junior Soccer FC is a club dedicated to the game and the players.
With rolling communities throughout the past 5 years, the club’s focus has always been on the players and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.
MUJSFC goes the extra mile, working tirelessly to raise funds for field upgrades and encouraging their local council to help make their changerooms more female friendly, ensuring inclusivity for everyone.
The club has grown in leaps and bounds, smashing yearly targets with registration increases, a testament to their accomplishments.
MUJSFC works endlessly to make sure kids can play football with a smile on their face week in and week out.
Northern NSW Football General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contributions to football in northern NSW.
“Without people like Jennifer, Aliyah, Liam, and Simone as well as clubs like Inverell FC Women’s and Mayfield United Junior Soccer FC we wouldn’t have a game. They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.
“It is the recipient's commitment to their clubs, teams and community football that makes 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 NNSWF Local Champion Awards winners for April. We wish them all the very best for the rest of the 2024 season.”
Monthly award winners are also nominated for the annual Local Champion Awards in October.
