Huge number of nominations for WA Football Volunteer of the Year AwardFriday, July 11, 2025 - 11:59 AM

More than 2200 of WA’s football volunteers have been nominated for the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award. 

The award has grown significantly since 2006, with 2231 volunteers in the mix for the prestigious honours this year. 

The Volunteer of the Year Awards are a significant initiative undertaken by WA Football, supported by The Sunday Times, to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers to the development and success of our great sport. 

The winner of the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the WAFL Grand Final on Sunday 21 September.? 

One nominee from each of the 17 districts and regions are selected as a finalist in the WA Football Volunteer of the Year category.? 

Last year’s WA Football Volunteer of the Year winner was Morley Junior Football Club stalwart John Pinneri. 

Pinneri has held numerous volunteer positions at the club – from President, Vice President, Secretary, Coach, Assistant Coach, Runner, Team Manager, Boundary Umpire, Goal Umpire, Interchanger, First-Aider, Canteen Manager, Line-marker, Banner Maker, and Graphic Designer.? 

There are nine different categories this year including the new Community Club of the Year award, which recognises a football club which goes above and beyond to support its players, volunteers, families and wider community.? 

Winners in each category will be entered into the AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards where the overall winners in each category will win an AFL grand final experience.? 

WA Football Club Development and Volunteer Specialist, Jenne Emberson was thrilled to see so many nominations come through across the State.? 

“The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award is an exceptional opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers,” Emberson said. 

“It’s great to see so many people around the WA football community taking the time to recognise our volunteers, with more than 2200 nominations coming through.” 

WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award categories 

AFL School Teacher 

Community Club 

Community Club Coach (male and female) 

Community Umpire Award 

Disability Inclusion Ambassador 

Diversity Ambassador 

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer 

Volunteer of the Year 

Young Volunteer of the Year