Capricorn Coast FC’s Corinna Ryan has been announced as the Queensland Community Coach of the Year as part of Football Federation Australia (FFA)’s rebel Female Football Awards.

Ryan joins David Bounds, Ashleigh McNamara and Sarah Dixon as Queenslanders celebrated throughout rebel Female Football Week for their dedication to growing the game and supporting women and girls in football.

Ryan began as coach of her eldest son’s team 15 years ago, and has since gone on to coach the second division men’s team at Capricorn Coast FC, having previously also run MiniRoos Kick Off programs at the club.

Recognised as a mentor to all levels of coaches at Capricorn Coast FC, Ryan was acknowledged with a life membership in 2017 for her dedication to the club.

Ryan notes that watching players grow and develop over the years has been one of her favourite parts of her role as a coach.

“I love the development in the team and individuals, so I like seeing the beginning and then the end,” Ryan said.

“Because I’ve coached for so long, quite often you can see a player come through from 13s all the way through into their 20s and you can see them from the very very start, into their senior years and it’s incredible to watch.”

Ryan was recognised as the Female Community Coach of the Year at last year’s Football in Queensland Awards Night, and says women and girls of all ages shouldn’t feel apprehensive about giving coaching a go.

“I would say that I highly recommend it [coaching] in any sport, not just football, because the way sports are going at the moment, there’s so much support and so much coaching help available,” Ryan said.

A highlights of Ryan’s 15-year tenure as a coach includes a nail-biting Semi Final the second division men’s team she coached was part of last year.

“We were down 6-3 with ten minutes to go and our team just lifted for the last ten minutes and we scored two goals, and even though the score was 6-5, they were pretty inspirational to watch,” she said.

It’s the relationships she has built with those around her at the club though that mean the most to Ryan when reflecting on her years of involvement with football.

“Football is my second family; away from my own family I have a separate football family, which I’m very very lucky to have. So that’s how I see football.”