Danielle Brady, Vice President of Senior Women’s Football at Annerley Football Club, has been announced as the Queensland Community Female Coach of the Year.

Joining fellow Queenslanders in Caitlin Troy and Gemma Layfield, Brady receives this award as part of Football Federation Australia (FFA)’s rebel Female Football Awards, recognising her commitment and development as a positive role model for athletes in a safe and inclusive environment.

No stranger to the coaching arena, Brady has been involved in women’s football for some 20 years in various roles including player, club vice president, Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League correspondent and kit woman and most recently, head coach of the City 5 women’s team at Annerley FC.

“This 5’s team have been incredibly supportive,” Brady said.

“They inspire me to be better every day and we laugh a lot!

“We’re a football family.”

With six female teams participating in Brisbane competitions in 2019, Brady goes the extra mile to ensure all players feel a sense of respect.

She introduces herself to every single player at the club, encourages juniors to look up to idols in the Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League side and Westfield Matildas and offers words of wisdom in order to tap into the potential of every player.

Brady is passionate about women’s football and has helped shaped it at Annerley FC into one of the strongest programs throughout Brisbane.

“It’s such a great opportunity to help create a positive environment and help people express themselves in healthy ways,” Brady said.

“Sport can really improve people’s mental, physical and emotional states.

“It can become people’s ‘happy place’ and that’s what I love the most about a positive team and club environment.”

Not knowing she had even been nominated, Brady was in a fair bit of shock when she received the news but was very proud.

“Truly, I am so chuffed and honoured to be chosen,” Brady said.

“I know there’s a lot of excellent and dedicated coaches out there, so I’m extremely humbled by this recognition.”

Only scratching the surface of her coaching career experience-wise, Brady is just appreciating every coaching opportunity that comes her way and is excited for what the future holds.

“In my opinion, I’m still a toddler in the coaching ranks,” Brady said.

“I’m in no hurry to coach the Matildas just yet, I’m happy to work my way up through the city levels to the Prelims one day.

“For now, every context and player has something to teach me and I’m super excited to learn!”

Football Queensland congratulates Danielle Brady on her achievements as both a coach and a role model for young female footballers.