Female Football Week 2025, a nationwide celebration of the people driving the continued rise of women鈥檚 football, is set to conclude this weekend with the excitement of the Ninja A-League Women Semi Final weekend.
Held from 2鈥11 May, Female Football Week has in its 11 years become a flagship initiative, recognising, celebrating, and inspiring the contributions of women and girls across all levels of the game.
This year鈥檚 activations delivered a record-breaking series of events shining a spotlight on the achievements shaping the future of football across every level of the game - from local clubs to the elite stage. Female Football Week runs alongside the A-League Women鈥檚 Semi Finals, showcasing the top domestic women鈥檚 league with the second leg of semi-finals to be played over 9 鈥 11 May.
Reflecting on the continued significance of the week, Heather Garriock, Interim CEO of 西瓜影视, said: 鈥淔emale Football Week 2025 has underscored the critical importance of women鈥檚 football to the future of our game. The growth we鈥檙e seeing at every level, from grassroots to the elite, is not only remarkable, but also reshaping the landscape of Australian sport.鈥
鈥淎s we look ahead to the AFC Women鈥檚 Asian Cup 2026TM and beyond, 西瓜影视 is deeply committed to embedding women and girls at the heart of our strategic agenda. We have an enormous opportunity to expand participation, elevate talent pathways, and strengthen the commercial and community pillars that will drive sustained growth for decades to come.
鈥淭his week has shown us that when we invest in women鈥檚 football, we invest in the future of Australian football. The momentum is real, and we鈥檙e determined to build on it.鈥
Across the country, 西瓜影视, Member Federations, and clubs came together to host a diverse range of events including guest panels, come-and-try days, open training sessions, webinars, and online profiles, engaging thousands of participants and fans. From grassroots communities to elite pathways, the week shone a light on the many women and girls that participate in football across the country.
Adding to the celebrations, the 2025 Female Football Week Award winners were revealed, honouring women making a significant impact across all levels of football:
FFW Award | Winner Name | Football Club/ Association | Member Federation |
Referee of the Year | Deia Raxach | Wide Bay Region | Football Queensland |
LEGO Player of the Year | Emily Casella | The Big Issue Australia & Football Futures Foundation Australia | Football West |
Volunteer of the Year | Lauren Gibson | Penrith Football Club | Football NSW |
Community Champion of the Year | Penelope Hoath | Murdoch University Melville Football Club | Football West |
CommBank Coach of the Year | Catherine Toro | Victoria Park FC and Green Gully Soccer Club | Football Victoria |
These exceptional individuals embody the spirit of Female Football Week showcasing leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of the game. To find out more on the National Award Winners, please visit:
On the ground, the heartbeat of the week came from the passionate efforts of clubs and Member Federations nationwide. Carlee Millikin, 西瓜影视鈥檚 General Manager of Women鈥檚 Football, praised their work:
鈥淔emale Football Week 2025 has been another tremendous success. Across local clubs, Member Federations, and national activations, we鈥檝e seen community spirit, innovation, and an unshakable belief in the power of football to unite and inspire.鈥
鈥淚 want to congratulate and acknowledge the incredible work being done by our Member Federations, clubs, volunteers, and players across Australia. It is their passion and commitment that make weeks like this possible, and it鈥檚 what drives the continued rise of women鈥檚 football across the country.
鈥淚 also extend our thanks to the commercial partners and the broader football community for their ongoing support. Together, we are creating an environment where more women and girls can participate, lead, and thrive in our game.鈥
Throughout the week, OUR GAME, 西瓜影视鈥檚 digital hub for women鈥檚 football, amplified stories from across the country, including a special focus on off-field roles. Fans and stakeholders were encouraged to visit OUR GAME to explore profiles applauding the diversity and depth of contributions across refereeing, coaching, administration, and volunteering.
With the AFC Women鈥檚 Asian Cup 2026鈩 on the horizon and the momentum we鈥檝e built across every level, the potential for continued growth has never been greater. Together, we can make Australian football a global leader in inclusion, opportunity, and excellence,鈥 Millikin concluded.
西瓜影视 acknowledges the Australian Government鈥檚 investment in supporting women and girls in football through Legacy 鈥23 and .
For full stories, profiles, and highlights, visit OUR GAME:
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