West Australian Football Commission Congratulates Football Finalists For 2022 SportWest Awards Friday, February 10, 2023 - 3:53 PM

The West Australian Football Commission is delighted two football clubs and a leading WAFC Administrator have been nominated for this month’s 2022 Sport West Awards at Optus Stadium. 

Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Game Development and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission, is a finalist for the DLGSC Administrator of the Year. 

Mt Helena Junior Football Club has been nominated for the revoltioniseSPORT Community Club of the Year – John Gilmour Medal. 

The third football finalist is the Ports Football Club for the Healthway Healthy Club Award. 

Troy’s nomination follows more than a decade as an outstanding administrator for the WAFC. 

A leader in innovation and sport development, he provides support to several sports to ensure the industry creates opportunities for participants. 

Troy was a key driver in several game changing football initiatives in 2022, including delivery of the WA Concussion Action Plan, the implementation of Play HQ, establishment of a more equitable approach to Women & Girls engagement and gender diversity, and data analytics. 

Troy also led several national working groups, including liaising with the AFL on the development of a National Participation Framework which will change the junior landscape to make it more engaging and relevant for participants.  

Being recognised as a finalist for the DLGSC Sports Administrator of the Year is testament to the work Troy does across football, and the sports industry. 

“It’s an honour to be a finalist in the DLGSC Sport Administrator of the Year category, particularly when there are so many high-quality leaders and administrators right across the sports industry,” he said. 

A finalist for the revoltioniseSport Community Club of the Year – John Gilmour Medal, Mt Helena Junior Football Club has been described as “a little club with huge heart, impacting community through sport. 

After struggling through the challenges of COVID, the club recognised a gap in programs available to minority groups and individuals, particularly those living with a disability. 

The club launched the Starkick All Abilities Program, which provides children who previously could not play team sport the opportunity to participate. 

Children and their families have welcomed the program which connects them to their club and the community. 

Ports Football Club has been nominated for the Healthway Healthy Club Award, with the club providing an extensive range of mental health awareness and promotional activities in 2022. 

Led by Chris Cassam, Ports FC started the season with a “Tackle Your Feelings” session which engaged members of the football club, other local clubs in Esperance and Auskick Co-ordinators. 

The football club also hosted several promotional rounds, including “Belt Up,” “Talk to a Mate” and “Think Mental Health Round”. 

 WAFC Chief Executive Michael Roberts congratulated all three football finalists. 

“Being nominated for the 2022 SportWest Awards is a major credit to Troy, the Mt Helena Junior Football Club, and the Ports Football Club. 

All three finalists should be proud of their contribution to football and the community,” Roberts said. 

More than 150 nominations were received across nine categories, with 40 finalists selected. 

The SportWest Awards will take place on Thursday February 23 at Optus Stadium.