Football Victoria (FV) mourns the passing of a monumental figure in the history of women’s football, Maria Berry AM - a FV Hall of Fame member and unwavering pioneer whose impact resonated across grassroots, state, national and international arenas.
Berry’s involvement in football spanned over four decades, as a player, a coach and team manager. But it is her efforts as an administrator, from the grassroots, to the national and international level, where she has left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
Berry's first foray into football as a player was in 1979, with Knox City in the Victorian Women's Soccer Association (VWSA) Second Division. A modest player by her own reckoning, she had stints with Boronia, Rowville and Dandenong City, before settling at Melbourne University, where she played for over a decade before hanging up the boots. Berry's passion on the pitch never wavered, coaching numerous teams at Melbourne University, Brunswick Zebras, Yarra Jets and Darebin Falcons, as well as co-founding Kensington Junior Soccer Club.
Even as a player, Berry had an eye for what was happening behind the scenes, serving in a number of roles in and around her club and the VWSA, where she served as a Committee member, be it as President, Vice President, Representative Team Manager or Public Relations Officer. Director roles followed with the Victorian Soccer Federation (1993-1994) and Australian Women's Soccer Association (1995-2003), where she served as Vice President before its eventual folding and take over by what would become Football Australia.
Berry was a member of the founding committee responsible for establishing the National Football Hall of Fame under the then Soccer Australia (1997-1998), playing a crucial role in the inaugural induction of 88 individuals in 1999. She served as a Match Commissioner for a number of internationals played in Australia and fulfilled Head of Delegation and Team Manager roles with the Matildas on tours to the USA (1996 and 1999), North Korea (1998) and Japan (2001), and the Young Matildas (2002 in Tonga).
Two stints on FV’s Women's Standing Committee were broken by Berry's appointment as Government Relations Manager in 2009, a role she held for six years until 2014. Among her other notable roles outside of football, Berry served as a Director on the Board of Vicsport between 1991 and 1996 and was the Inaugural Chair of national advocacy and professional development organisation Women Onside.
Berry’s accomplishments were well recognised at all levels. She was awarded the National Sports Medal in 2000 by the Australian Government, and acknowledged on the Victorian Honour Roll for Women by the Victorian State Government in 2020.
Berry was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours List for significant service to football, to women in sport, and business in 2023.
Berry's outstanding meritorious service to Victorian football was recognised in June 2024 as she was honoured with Life Membership, before being ultimately inducted into the Football Victoria Hall of Fame in December 2024.
Her legacy is further immortalised in the Football Australia’s 100 Years of Women’s Football mural, where she appears among the select few depicted for her dedication and impact for the game.
Maria Berry passed away on Tuesday 9 September, aged 71. She leaves behind her partner Jacki and children, Joe and Lucy. Her loss will be deeply felt across the football community.
Dan Birrell, FV CEO, reflected on Maria’s legacy to the game.
Maria Berry’s unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit have been foundational to the growth and empowerment of women’s football across Victoria.
Her leadership, passion, and relentless drive broke down barriers and her legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of our community.
FV Chair, Dr Angela Williams echoed the sentiment.
Maria Berry’s life was a testament to relentless advocacy, with unshakeable belief in the game and in the women who play it.
Her legacy will endure across Victoria’s pitches and in every young girl inspired to lift her voice and step into her place in football.
On behalf of Football Victoria and the wider Victorian football community, we extend our deepest condolences to Maria’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.