Albany Creek Excelsior Club Secretary Sarah Dixon has been announced as the Queensland Community Female Administrator of the Year as part of Football Federation Australia (FFA’s) rebel Female Football Awards.

Aimed at promoting and celebrating the continued growth of women’s football, the Female Football Awards coincide with rebel Female Football Week, showcasing the important role players, coaches, referees, volunteers and administrators play in growing the game.

Sarah Dixon began her involvement as a volunteer at Albany Creek in the role of team manager for her son’s team, before offering to help out with events around the club.

Dixon then stepped into the role of Club Secretary at the beginning of 2018, with members of the club crediting her with pioneering a new club culture that is approachable, family-oriented and focused on junior development, and fostering strong relationships with other clubs.

“I love being part of my club because it’s our own little community, everyone genuinely cares about each other and wants the best for each other,” Dixon said.

“I’ve made so many friends and am so grateful for the connections I’ve been lucky enough to make, not only through my club but by building rapport with other clubs also.”

Her dedication to the role and hard work behind-the-scenes saw Dixon named Volunteer of the Year at the 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night.

Dixon says there have been many highlights of her time at the club, including watching the growth and development of players, coaches and mentors.

“Favourite moments for me are seeing people smiling or having fun playing sport and just meeting wonderful people with awesome stories and backgrounds. To know that we as a committee have helped to facilitate that, is such a strong sense of achievement,” Dixon said.

“I love seeing people being developed into amazing players, brilliant coaches or mentors and being part of something bigger than myself.

“Seeing genuine happiness and the positive aspects of the game. It’s incredible to see what people can achieve when they’re encouraged to be the best they can be.”

In addition to her role as Club Secretary, Dixon’s involvement in football also extends to playing and being a mother.

“Football has become such a huge aspect of my life. Whether it’s helping to run the club, to watch my son develop and continue to love the game or for me to run around and forget everything else exists for that period of time that I’m running around on the park,” Dixon said.

“I play with an amazing group of women who have been there for me both on and off the pitch. And to me, that’s what it’s all about.

“A group of people, men, women, children from all walks of life; all coming together over a common love and connection. If you stop to think about that, it’s actually pretty amazing!”