Heather McGiddy (Brunswick City SC) was named the 2023 Female Football Champion of the Year at the FVCIB Full-Time Luncheon on Thursday, November 16 as part of the 2023 Football Victoria Community Awards.
As we reflect on the triumph and excitement of the recent FIFA Women's World Cup held right here on our shores - it's crucial that we recognize the unsung heroes shaping the landscape of female football for generations to come. McGiddy loyally serves as a Committee Member and Women's Development Manager, and is lovingly known as a force of empowerment and progress within her club.
McGiddy said it was a "real honour" to be recognised with the award, but explained it doesn't happen in isolation.
"I can see so many other clubs that are all doing amazing work and I feel like it is a movement," she said.
"It is not just one club or one person does on their own, it is really a movement and together we are creating change, which is very cool."
She not only spearheads various programs, including those for girls, women, soccer mums, and gender-diverse individuals, but her dedication goes beyond the pitch, as she works tirelessly to engage with the local council, advocating for an improved and inclusive football environment for females.
Her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts make her an amazing champion of our game, driving female football forward despite all obstacles, and shaping an inspiring legacy for the future.
"This season I was the coach of the U9's girls' team who gave themselves the name 'The Dingoes' because they are fierce and funny and amazing, I also run our Women and Girls program which includes gender diverse people as well," she explained.
"We have two GO Soccer Mums groups; on a Friday and Saturday and we have seen so much growth and interest, in Term 3 we had 25 new women try out the program for the very first time, which was amazing and obviously a reflection of the interest on the back of the women's World Cup.
"I think for a Club to be successful with women and girls and to be inclusive with gender-diverse folk you really need to think about the structures that you have in place, you need to have people in decision-making positions who have lived experiences of people who haven't necessarily had a seat at the table.
"Clubs need to have a sustainable pathway of women and girls becoming coaches, becoming referees and they are visible and accessible in the way they promote their programs