Football South Australia is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women and girls across our football community through the 2026 Female Football Week Awards.
These awards recognise the players, coaches, referees, volunteers and community leaders who continue to drive the growth and success of female football across South Australia. Building on the momentum of previous years, the 2026 awards highlight not only excellence, but the ongoing development of the next generation of women in football.
Female Football Week provides an important platform to acknowledge those who go above and beyond in their roles, contributing to inclusive, supportive and high-performing football environments at all levels of the game.
We received a strong number of nominations once again this year, reflecting the passion, commitment and leadership within our football community.
Congratulations to all nominees, your contribution continues to strengthen and inspire our game.
2026 Female Football Week Award Winners
Female Player of the Year
Winner:
Bethany Beale (Flinders United WFC)
Female Coach of the Year
Winner:
Jessica Ridenti (Gawler Eagles)
Nominees:
- April Grava (Flinders United WFC)
Female Referee of the Year
Winner:
Taylor Van Der Hoeven
Female Volunteer of the Year
Winner:
Joanne Gariboli (Fulham United FC) and Tania McPherson (Adelaide Olympic FC)
Nominees:
- Vicki Charlton (International SC)
- Stacey Kerr (Port Adelaide SC)
- Lisa Twyford (Flinders United WFC)
- Paula Rocca (Modbury Jets SC)
- Bronwyn Hudson (Adelaide Hills Hawks)
- Michelle Oulianoff (Flinders United WFC)
- Gillian O’Reilly (Port Adelaide SC)
- Kelly Barker (Modbury Jets SC)
- Tanika Van Gelderen (Berri River Rangers Soccer Association)
Community Champion of the Year (Any Gender)
Winner:
Amin Ayoubi (WT Birkalla SC)
Nominees:
- Sam Lane (Port Adelaide SC)
- Marcus Hadfield (Flinders United WFC)
- Adele Munro-Chambers (Flinders United WFC)
Each category winner will be recognised as Football South Australia’s representative for the National Female Football Week Awards.
A Celebration of the Game
The awards were presented as part of the Female Football Week Launch Event at ServiceFM Stadium, held during a showcase day of Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) matches.
The event brought together players, officials, volunteers and the broader football community, with MiniRoos participation, match day activations and a Female Football Week themed group photo, celebrating this year’s theme: Developing the Next Generation of Women in Football.
Football South Australia congratulates all nominees and winners and thanks the football community for continuing to support and grow the women’s game across the state.