Women powering the game: Football NSW’s Sapphire Cup Final media showcase
The 2026 Sapphire Cup Final between UNSW FC and Manly United FC at Valentine Sports Park was supported by an all-female Football NSW media crew, highlighting the growing presence and opportunity for women working across football media and broadcast roles.
Funded through the NSW Government’s Organisation Support Program (OSP), the initiative provided a platform to develop and showcase female talent across commentary, photography, content creation, camera operations and reporting, aligning with broader objectives to increase participation and strengthen opportunities for under-represented groups in sport.
On the night, Football NSW fielded a dedicated female media team across multiple areas:
- Commentators: Annabelle Banfield and Emily Arnold
- Social Content Creators: Maeve Sparrow and Tanisha Morar
- Photographers: Natalie Scicluna and Angela De Pourbaix
- Reporter: Monica Clarke
- Camera Operations: Sophie Stone
The program forms part of Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to building capability across the sport, with a particular focus on creating pathways for women and girls not only on the field, but in every aspect of the game.
The NSW Government’s Organisation Support Program is multi-year funding designed to strengthen sporting organisations by improving governance, increasing participation, supporting inclusion, and enhancing opportunities for under-represented groups across all levels of sport in NSW.
Football NSW Head of Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Affairs, Helen Armson, said the initiative reflects a key priority in developing inclusive pathways across the game.
“This is a fantastic example of how targeted investment can create real opportunities for women in football beyond playing,” Armson said.
“Through the Organisation Support Program, we are able to provide meaningful, practical experience across media and broadcast roles, helping to build confidence, capability and long-term pathways in sport.
“We are incredibly proud of the talented women who took part in the Sapphire Cup Final coverage. Their professionalism and energy on the night reflect the future of football media in NSW.”
Football NSW continues to use OSP funding to strengthen participation pathways, build capability across the sector, and ensure football environments are inclusive, safe and reflective of the diverse communities they serve.
