WA Super Mum Claims National Coaching Award

WA Football congratulates Naomi Gianoncelli from the Whitfords Junior Football Club on being named the 2025 BHP Community Coach of the Year at last night’s AFLW Awards.

The BHP Community Coach of the Year award recognises community coaches who are creating inclusive and empowering opportunities for women and girls in grassroots football.

Gianoncelli coaches the club’s Under 18 Girls team and has been recognised for introducing structured training programs, strengthening support systems for young women entering senior pathways, and helping drive increased player engagement and retention across the club.

In addition to coaching, Gianoncelli serves as the club’s Amateur Liaison Officer, where she has strengthened connections between junior and senior female programs and improved communication, registration and transition processes to support players as they move through the pathway.

This year, Gianoncelli initiated and delivered the clubs first ‘Kick It to Her’ education evening, designed to address the practical needs of young women playing football and their parents.

Beatrice Devlyn, Female & Diversity Coaching Coordinator at WA Football, paid tribute to Gianoncelli.

“Naomi is a fantastic volunteer and member of the community, and still playing for Whitfords Senior Women’s team,” Devlyn said.

“Naomi leads a group of female coaches at Whitfords and has dedicated herself to her craft and fine-tuning her skills to give herself the best opportunities possible.”

She was selected from a strong field of national nominees for her outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing participation for women and girls at Whitfords Junior Football Club.

Gianoncelli balances her football commitments with work as an emergency department nurse, while raising four children and continuing to play in both the amateur league and AFL Women’s Masters.