2025 Football NSW Female Football Week Awards Announced
As part of our Female Football Week celebrations, Football NSW is celebrating the contributions of dedicated individuals within our community.
Female Referee of the Year: Sharon McLachlan (Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch Inc.)
Sharon’s genuine desire to make football a safe, inclusive and enjoyable place for females shines through in her actions both on and off the field. As a referee mentor and coach, she supports young females with their journey as match officials. On the field, she always give 100% to her matches, encouraging and empowering others to do the same.
Female Coach of the Year: Sarah McKinley (St George FC)
Sarah is an amazing coach with the patience of a saint and treats the girls with the utmost respect. She dedicates so much time to making sure sessions are built around their development and needs. She also takes a very keen interest in the girls best needs always guiding the girls down the right path using her own personal experience to help them understand.”
Female Player of the Year: Lisa Bullivant (The Entrance Bateau Bay FC)
Lisa is an exceptional all-round player who played a pivotal role in her team’s success, culminating in their 2024 Grand Final victory. Beyond her individual skills, Lisa’s leadership and teamwork shine. She consistently creates opportunities for her teammates, demonstrating outstanding vision and selflessness on the field. Her presence grounds the team, inspiring confidence and unity among players.
Female Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Gibson (Penrith FC)
Within Penrith FC and beyond, Lauren is regarded as a game-changer. She’s often described as a doer, someone who doesn’t just talk about change — she makes it happen. Whether it’s volunteers, coaches, or parents, everyone speaks of her compassion, innovation, and leadership. She’s known as the person who always answers the call, lifts others up, and never forgets the value of grassroots community spirit!
Lauren was also recognised as the Female Volunteer of the Year for the national Female Football Week Awards.
Community Champion of the Year: Emma Madden (Charles Sturt FC)
Emma co-founded Charles Sturt FC (CSFC) in late 2023, playing a key role in its rapid growth to over 100 members and three teams in just months. She has been instrumental in building a welcoming, inclusive environment, particularly for female players.
Emma led initiatives to improve female participation, including securing a partnership with “Play Like a Girl Australia” to upskill coaches and advocating for female-specific playing kits with Classic Sportswear. She also played a crucial role in organising the upcoming Trailblazers, Matildas Alumni, and Play Like a Girl Charity Event for the Starlight Children’s Foundation—a three-day celebration of women’s football.
Her efforts have directly increased female football participation at CSFC, transforming the women’s squad from struggling to field a team in 2024 to having overwhelming interest in 2025.
