Nominations open for 2025 WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards Monday, May 19, 2025 - 10:01 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Nominations are now open for the 2025 WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards. 

The Volunteer of the Year Awards are a significant initiative undertaken by WA Football, supported by The Sunday Times, to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers to the development and success of our great sport.

Volunteers can be nominated in one or more of the nine categories. With one nominee from each of the 17 districts and regions are selected as a finalist in the WA Football Volunteer of the Year category. 

The winner of the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the WAFL Grand Final on Sunday 21 September. 

Winners in each category will be entered into the AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards where the overall winners in each category will win an AFL grand final experience. 

WA Football CEO Michael Roberts said the awards were a deserving recognition for the role volunteers play in football across the State. 

“We’re proud to have such a fantastic cohort of community football volunteers across Western Australia, each playing an important role in keeping our great game thriving,” Roberts said. 

“The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards is a fantastic way to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. 

“We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to nominate an unsung hero among among the cohort of volunteers who contribute to the success of our great game in WA.” 

Last year’s WA Football Volunteer of the Year winner was Morley Junior Football Club stalwart John Pinneri, who was selected from more than 2400 nominations. 

Pinneri has held numerous volunteer positions at the club – from President, Vice President, Secretary, Coach, Assistant Coach, Runner, Team Manager, Boundary Umpire, Goal Umpire, Interchanger, First-Aider, Canteen Manager, Line-marker, Banner Maker, and Graphic Designer. 

There are nine different categories this year including the new Community Club of the Year award, which recognises a football club which goes above and beyond to support its players, volunteers, families and wider community. 

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 7 July. 

You can nominate now at thankavolunteer.com.au 

WA Football Volunteer?| recognises an individual who has given their time and effort to support the football community. This could include helping to organise events, fundraising, or other volunteer activities. 

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer?| recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to support the Auskick program. ? 

Community Club Coach -  – Male and female | recognises a male coach who has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their team and the sport of football. 

Community Umpiring Service?| recognises an umpire who has consistently demonstrated fair play, sportsmanship, and professionalism while officiating games. 

Disability & Inclusion Ambassador?| recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer in promoting the inclusion of People with Disability in football. 

Diversity Ambassador?| recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer that has been able to promote inclusion for Indigenous and/or Multicultural Communities in Australian Rules football. 

AFL School Ambassador?| recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to their school community through football. 

Young Community Volunteer?| recognises an individual aged 15 - 25 years who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment over the past year and positively impacted the lives of others. 

Club of the Year | recognises a football club which goes above and beyond to support its players, volunteers, families and wider community instilling a positive club culture and a safe and inclusive environment.