Shining a Spotlight on Grassroots Excellence: Introducing the Club of the Year Award
The 2025 State Awards will welcome another exciting addition to this year’s celebrations — the inaugural Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year award.
Introduced by Football NSW Chairman Gilbert Lorquet, this new award category recognises exceptional community clubs that are leading the way in innovation, inclusion, development, and positive impact within their football communities.
This new category will sit alongside another new inclusion, Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year.
With grassroots football at the heart of our game, this award celebrates clubs that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding football experiences while driving meaningful change on and off the pitch.
Finalists were selected based on a range of criteria including:
- Innovative football program delivery
- Volunteer recognition and support
- Coach, referee, and player development
- Good governance and long-term planning
- Community engagement and partnerships
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Thanks to the generous support of Nine Ad Manager, the winning club will receive a $2,000 advertising campaign voucher, with two runners-up receiving $1,000 vouchers each — all to be used on the Nine Ad Manager platform to support registration drives or other community initiatives.
Nine Ad Manager Club of the Year – Finalists
Allambie Beacon Hills United
Formed through the 2024 merger of two long-standing clubs, ABHU has rapidly grown to 1,600 members, including 737 females. They’ve invested in inclusive facility upgrades and created a gender-balanced committee. The club fosters strong community ties through events like Christmas Carols and continues to set new standards in engagement.
Douglas Park Wilton FC
Achieving 3-Star Club Changer Accreditation, DPWFC launched a forward-thinking 2025–2030 Strategic Plan centred on sustainable growth and inclusion. The club has committed to 50% female representation across players and staff, and builds strong partnerships with schools, councils, and local families.
Dubbo Devils Representative
In 2025, Dubbo Devils focused on strengthening their identity with new branding, a rep-specific social presence, and cohesive team uniforms. They introduced a formal Presentation Night, enforced coaching standards, and grew youth squads, entering more teams in the Western Youth League than ever before.
Hurlstone Park Wanderers FC
A 2-Star Club Changer, HPWFC launched the ‘Silent Sidelines’ initiative, earning praise from Football NSW. The club supports lifelong football with O35 Women’s and O50 Men’s comps, and offers free clinics for players and referees. With a female-majority committee and a Junior Advisory group, they champion inclusive leadership.
Millthorpe Juniors FC
With 3-Star Club Changer status, Millthorpe Juniors delivers powerful programs like Girls Love Football and Pippin Girl Workshops. Strategic in planning, they’ve embedded succession and risk management into operations. They celebrated 11% growth in 2025 and were named FA Regional Club of the Year in 2024.
North Turramurra FC
From no junior teams in 2012 to over 25 in 2025, NTFC has become a model for sustainable growth. Nearly 40% of members are female, and the club prioritises inclusivity, affordability, and referee development. It also partners closely with local schools and councils on facility upgrades.
Shellharbour JFC
Shellharbour is the largest club in Football South Coast with 1,200 players. They’ve excelled in both female and male competitions, winning the Women’s Club Championship and entering the Men’s Premier League in 2026. With a Football4All program and mentorship pathways, the club was named 2024 Club Changer of the Year.
Winners will be selected via a 3-2-1 point system and officially announced at the 2025 State Awards on Saturday, October 25.
Through this new award, Football NSW celebrates the passionate volunteers, leaders, and changemakers who are powering football’s grassroots future — one club at a time.
