Football Victoria is proud to announce that Maria Patrikis has been named the Sports Accounting Australia Official of the Year at the 2025 Vic Sport Awards.
Presented by the Victorian Government and Vicsport on Wednesday, May 13 at the Members Dining Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the awards celebrated excellence across 19 categories, recognising athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel, and initiatives that have helped grow participation in sport.
Speaking after the event, Maria said the award came as a “complete surprise.”
“I truly feel humbled to have received this award,” she said. “It has made me reflect on the journey I’ve been on and continue to be on. It’s really made me appreciate the people who have continued to support and encourage me along this pathway.”
Officiating at the highest levels of futsal in Australia, including the National Futsal Championships on behalf of Football Australia and regular appointments in the Victorian Series Futsal Premiership, Maria’s impact extends well beyond match appointments.
She is actively involved in mentoring and supporting emerging officials, providing guidance and leadership to help develop the next generation of referees. In November, she was selected for the inaugural AFC Futsal Referee Academy, undertaking advanced international training under world-class instructors.
Her outstanding year culminated in a historic milestone, earning selection to the FIFA Futsal Referee List for 2026, becoming the first Australian female to achieve this honour.
Vicsport CEO Elyse Jenkins said the Vic Sport Awards provide a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate Victoria’s grassroots heroes alongside those who excel at the elite level.
“Congratulations to everyone honoured this year, including Sharelle McMahon, a legend of Victorian sport who has continued to give back to our industry beyond retirement through administrative roles at Cricket Victoria and Netball Victoria,” she said.