Nominations now open for 2025 AFLW Community Ambassador Program

16 June 2025

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program – recognising South Australians who have made a positive impact on female football.

As the AFLW celebrates its milestone 10^th season of competition, this is a perfect opportunity to recognise those at a grassroots level who have played a pivotal role in the development and progression of women and girls’ football in their communities.

Since the first season of AFLW, women and girls’ participation around Australia has grown from 42,000 to more than 125,000 – up nearly 200 per cent – including the creation of more than 2,500 new women’s and girls’ teams since 2016.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the AFLW Community Ambassador Program encourages the football community to nominate someone from their club – whether it be a volunteer, coach, administrator, player or umpire – who has made a change and played a significant part in the growth and success of women and girls footy.

Thirty-five ambassadors have been recognised over four years with seven winners announced each season, with one recipient hailing from each of New South Wales/ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Past South Australian winners include Ceilia Moretti (Goodwood Saints FC), Kathryn Lee (Lockleys JFC), Jodie Reid (South Augusta FC), Julie Clifton (South Adelaide and Willunga FC) and Paul Modra (Edwardstown Junior FC).

AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead and AFL Hall of Famer, Debbie Lee, said it was important to progress the game for women and girls.

“The growth of women and girls’ football across the country has been championed by passionate and dedicated people in local communities, and it’s important we celebrate and recognise the opportunities and experiences they are providing throughout junior, youth and senior levels,” Lee said.

“I’ve been lucky to attend the special breakfast with the winning recipients on AFLW Grand Final Day for several years and the stories and connections shared between the ambassadors truly continue to inspire each other.

“I would encourage members at local clubs to start nominating for this year’s ambassador program, I know there would be many deserving winners waiting to be recognised.”

Nominations are now open and will close Sunday 20 July, with the winners announced in early September.

Each AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice as well as a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Grand Final experience.