Country Football WA Celebrates Regional Finalists in 2026 WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards

Volunteers are the heart of country football, and Country Football WA is proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals recognised as regional finalists in the 2026 WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Representing every corner of regional Western Australia, these volunteers have made an extraordinary contribution to their clubs, leagues and communities through their dedication, passion and countless hours of service.

The 2026 regional finalists are:

• Goldfields Region – Michael Perry (Ports Football Club)
• Great Southern Region – Tracy Blaszkow (Albany Football Club)
• Kimberley Region – Wayne Paul (East Kimberley Football League / South East Kimberley Football League)
• Midlands Region – Greg Richards (Quairading Football & Netball Club)
• Midwest Region – Peter Crudeli (Mullewa Football Club)
• Pilbara Region – Matt Mathe (Hedland Junior Football Association)
• South West Region – Jason Reid (South West Junior Football League)
• Wheatbelt Region – John Foss (Bruce Rock Football Club)

These finalists represent the thousands of volunteers who give their time each week to ensure football continues to thrive in regional communities. Whether coaching, umpiring, managing teams, maintaining facilities or supporting game day operations, their commitment creates opportunities for players of all ages to enjoy the game.

Country Football WA congratulates each regional finalist on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for the invaluable role they play in strengthening country football across Western Australia.

WA Football Volunteer Engagement Specialist Jenné Emberson said the awards continue to showcase the incredible impact volunteers have across the game.

“The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards program is an exceptional opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of footy volunteers.

“Once again we were thrilled to receive so many nominations from right across the state.

“The fact that the program has been running continuously for 20 years highlights the importance volunteers play in supporting and growing the game and the positive impact they make within the community.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers for their contribution to ensuring that football continues to thrive.”

In addition to the regional and district finalists, WA Football also recognised outstanding contributors across a range of volunteer categories, highlighting the diverse ways people support community football throughout the state.

All regional finalists and category award winners will be formally recognised at the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards during the WAFL Grand Final in September, where the overall 2026 WA Football Volunteer of the Year will be announced.

Category award winners will also progress as finalists in the National AFL Volunteer of the Year Awards, with the chance to win a trip to the 2026 AFL Grand Final.

Country Football WA wishes all of our regional finalists the very best at the upcoming awards and sincerely thanks every volunteer who continues to make country football possible.