2026 Football NSW Female Football Week Award Winners Announced
As part of Female Football Week celebrations, Football NSW has recognised outstanding individuals across the game, with Alana Zic (Female Referee of the Year), Farah Rahmati-Zaran (Female Coach of the Year), Leah Spaine (Female Player of the Year), Tamara Mulroney (Community Champion of the Year), and Dona D’Amico (Female Volunteer of the Year) all honoured for their exceptional contribution to football.
The awards highlight the breadth of impact being made across refereeing, coaching, playing and community football, showcasing the people driving the continued growth of the women’s game in NSW.
Female Referee of the Year – Alana Zic (Hills Football)
Alana Zic has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and long-standing contribution to refereeing in NSW.
A key figure within Hills Football, Zic has served as Female Referee Development Officer and played a major role in growing the female refereeing base from 38 to 60 officials in 2025 through targeted initiatives including female-only courses, mentoring programs and elite guest sessions.
On the field, she has continued to officiate at a high level, including appointments at National Youth Championships, where she was named Referee of the Tournament in 2024 and Assistant Referee of the Tournament in 2023.
Female Coach of the Year – Farah Rahmati-Zaran (Castle Hill United FC)
Farah Rahmati-Zaran has been recognised for her exceptional commitment to coaching, player development and inclusion across all levels of the game.
At Castle Hill United FC, Rahmati-Zaran has held multiple roles including All Abilities Coach, junior girls coach across multiple age groups, Mini Kickers Coordinator and Ladies Coordinator, building pathways from grassroots through to competitive junior football.
A strong advocate for coach education, she has completed multiple qualifications including the MiniRoos Certificate, Foundation of Football course and C Diploma, continually strengthening her impact on and off the pitch.
Her work is widely credited with creating inclusive environments, developing female participation pathways and supporting players of all abilities within the club.
Female Player of the Year – Leah Spaine (Padstow Hornets FC)
Leah Spaine has been recognised for her inspirational journey and impact on inclusion in football.
A player with cerebral palsy, Spaine has become a leading figure in para football, representing the Football NSW Female Para Program, the FNSW Para State Team, and earning selection as a Para Matilda.
Her story has helped raise awareness of para football pathways, showing that the game is accessible to all and inspiring players and families across the community.
Off the field, Spaine continues to lead by example in her professional career, while on the pitch she is widely respected for her resilience, attitude and determination.
Community Champion of the Year – Tamara Mulroney (Earlwood Wanderers FC & Football Canterbury)
Tamara Mulroney has been awarded for her extraordinary impact on community football and female participation growth across Football Canterbury.
A driving force at Earlwood Wanderers FC and Football Canterbury, Mulroney has held multiple leadership roles including club president and board member, while spearheading major initiatives such as the Women’s Social League, Female Football Gala Nights and inclusion programs.
Her leadership has helped grow female participation from 192 players in 2023 to over 300 in 2026, alongside significant increases in female representation across coaching and committee roles.
Mulroney has also been instrumental in delivering inclusive programs including Football4All and Kick on for Women, while securing major funding to improve facilities and accessibility across the club.
Female Volunteer of the Year – Dona D’Amico (Russell Vale Junior FC)
Dona D’Amico has been recognised for nearly a decade of tireless service to Russell Vale Junior Football Club and the broader football community.
D’Amico has played a vital role across multiple areas including administration, coaching, sponsorship and female football coordination, helping the club achieve almost 50% female participation across all age groups.
Her leadership has delivered major infrastructure upgrades through successful grant applications, including female-friendly facilities, training equipment and improved playing conditions, while also supporting the club’s achievement of 2 Star Club Changer accreditation.
A passionate advocate for inclusion, she has helped establish women’s competitions, supported major community events, and continues to mentor volunteers while contributing in hands-on roles across the club.
These awards form part of Football NSW’s Female Football Week celebrations, recognising the individuals whose dedication, leadership and passion continue to grow and strengthen the game across the state.
