Female Football Week (FFW) 2025 has come and gone, but we wanted to take a moment to celebrate all of the Victorian's who were nominated for awards at the annual FFW Awards.
The FFW Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge individuals and clubs across the state for their outstanding efforts and achievements within the women’s game.
Congratulations to all of our Victorian nominees.
Female Football Week Coach of the Year – Catherine Todo Bernal
Catherine Todo Bernal’s dedication to the game has changed the lives of countless girls and women across regional and metropolitan Victoria. In 2023, she launched the first-ever women’s and girls’ program at Victoria Park FC, stepping in as coach for both the senior and U12 teams when support faded and others walked away. Volunteering up to four nights a week and coaching every weekend—while also playing—Catherine not only kept the program alive, she made it thrive. Under her leadership, the U12 girls won both the league and cup double, and the senior team earned the BDSA President’s Award.
Even with limited resources and a lack of support from within the club, Catherine created a culture of respect, confidence, and opportunity. She sourced development pathways for players, taking them to regional and metro tournaments, and supported several girls into the SAP program. Her coaching style is inclusive, inspiring, and deeply invested in each player's growth.
Now at Green Gully FC, Catherine continues to #EmpowerTomorrow, coaching the U12 Metro Girls and working with the Regional SAP program, even commuting multiple times a week from Ballarat. A single parent, recent university graduate, and now a C-licensed coach on the path to her B-license, Catherine’s resilience and passion set her apart. She is a role model in every sense—and a most deserving recipient of Coach of the Year.
Female Football Week Volunteer of the Year – Jody Altmann
Jody Altmann is the heart and soul of Croydon City Soccer Club. As President, she has driven extraordinary growth across all age groups and helped the club earn its CPL Girls license—despite having no children of her own in the game and while managing a full-time career. She leads with generosity, humility, and unmatched commitment.
Jody wears every hat—from picking up international players at the airport, helping them find work, to cooking meals, filling eskies, fixing flat tires, and leading major social events. Her quiet leadership has strengthened female participation, built inclusive systems, and developed a thriving club culture from the ground up. She champions environmentally responsible practices and builds strong partnerships with local councils and sponsors.
Through her tireless work and values-driven leadership, Jody has transformed Croydon City SC into a welcoming, community-first club that reflects the best of grassroots football. She truly lives the spirit of #EmpoweringTomorrow.
Female Football Week Community Champion of the Year – Michelle Szeto
Michelle Szeto is a powerhouse of community spirit at Nichols Point Soccer Club. As Fundraising Officer, she led efforts that raised $40,000 in 2024 alone—helping secure the club’s major financial contribution to a brand-new pavilion. But Michelle’s impact goes well beyond dollars.
She’s a relentless advocate for female football, a welcoming presence on the sidelines, and a connector of people across generations. She organises everything from parent rosters to trivia nights and pie nights, creating traditions that bring the whole community together.
Michelle leads with kindness, integrity, and inclusion. She inspires others to step up and makes everyone feel they belong. Her behind-the-scenes efforts have left a lasting legacy, and her ability to build community is a shining example of what it means to #EmpowerTomorrow.
Female Football Week Player of the Year – Aleks Sinclair
Aleks Sinclair is more than just a player—she’s a mentor, coach, and quiet force for good. Her tireless support of junior girls has helped build a welcoming and empowering space where players grow in skill and self-belief. She consistently puts others before herself, guiding young players to become more confident on and off the pitch.
Aleks lives the FFW 2025 theme of #EmpoweringTomorrow by leading with humility and heart. Her contributions may often go unspoken, but the ripple effects of her mentorship are felt club-wide. She is a true role model and a worthy recipient of Player of the Year.
Female Football Week Referee of the Year – Helena Panagiotidis
Helena Panagiotidis has consistently demonstrated excellence, professionalism, and integrity in her role as a match official. Known for her calm presence, strong decision-making, and respect for all involved in the game, Helena has earned the trust of players, coaches, and fellow referees alike.
Beyond the whistle, Helena is also a mentor and role model—encouraging others, particularly young women, to pursue refereeing with confidence. Her commitment to upholding the spirit of the game and creating a fair, inclusive environment is a testament to her character and leadership.
Helena lives the Female Football Week theme of #EmpoweringTomorrow by setting standards for what it means to lead with consistency and pride. Her contribution to football is deeply valued, and she is a deserving recipient of Referee of the Year.