Football Queensland (FQ)’s 2020 Football in Queensland Awards Week has drawn to a close after a host of awards were announced celebrating the season.

The state-wide awards week acknowledged achievements across a number of categories, from the community game through to FQ’s premier competitions, with award recipients announced on FQ’s website and social media channels.

“The 2020 Football in Queensland Awards Week was a fantastic celebration of the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and clubs across the state this year,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.

“On behalf of Football Queensland, I’d like to congratulate each award winner and thank them for their valuable contributions to our game.

“Despite the challenges presented in 2020, our Queensland football community came together and united for the good of our game this year, and for that we should all be proud.”

“Football Queensland was delighted to acknowledge the achievements of Queenslanders in our game, from the grassroots through to the NPL Queensland and the FQPL as part of the 2020 Football in Queensland Awards Week,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“Competition awards recognised the players, coaches and teams who excelled in the NPL Queensland and FQPL competitions this year, while the state’s best match officials were acknowledged through a series of referee awards announced throughout the week.

“Football Queensland was proud to award a number of community awards to some exceptional teams and individuals this year including referees, players, coaches and volunteers.

“I’d like to pay special acknowledgement to our Volunteer of the Year Zohal Shahalami, who has dedicated many hours to providing a safe and welcoming environment for women and girls to come together and unite through football.

“A big thank you also to our Service to Football award recipients Cecil Newman and Bryan Graff, both described as gentlemen of the game who have dedicated over 20 years to football in Rockhampton maintaining the fields at Norbridge Park.

“Dedicated members of the football community like Zohal, Cecil and Bryan are what make our game so special, and football in our state could not go on without their hard work and commitment.

“Congratulations to all award recipients who were recognised throughout the 2020 Football in Queensland Awards Week, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Find out more about each award recipient here.

2020 Football in Queensland Awards Week Award Winners

NPL MEN’S:

Player of the Year
Daniel Leck – Olympic FC

Young Player of the Year
Daniel Leck – Olympic FC

Goalkeeper of the Year
Aidan Munford – Gold Coast United

Coach of the Year
Ben Cahn – Olympic FC

Golden Boot
Joe Duckworth – Lions FC

Fair Play Award
Lions FC

NPL WOMEN’S:

Player of the Year
Mariel Hecher – Lions FC

Young Player of the Year
Laini Freier – Gap FC

Goalkeeper of the Year
Georgina Worth – Capalaba FC

Coach of the Year
Alex Bundalo – Gold Coast United

Golden Boot
Mariel Hecher – Lions FC

Fair Play Award
Moreton Bay United and SWQ Thunder

FQPL:

Player of the Year
Matthew Green – Logan Lightning

Young Player of the Year
Maximilian Mikkola – Wolves FC

Goalkeeper of the Year
Zayne Freiberg – Ipswich Knights

Coach of the Year
Rick Coghlan – Logan Lightning

Golden Boot
Yuta Hirayama – Western Pride

Fair Play Award
Ipswich Knights

REFEREES:

Mark Shield Medal – Senior Referee of the Year
Zac Keenan

Des Miles Medal – Junior Referee of the Year
Louise Merritt

Mick Novakovic Medal – Emerging Elite Referee
Bradley Drummond

Mick Novakovic Medal – In Support of Young Referees
Adrian O’Connor

Jacqueline Leleu Medal – Assistant Referee of the Year
Joseph Lee

COMMUNITY:

Club of the Year
Kingscliff FC and Rockville Rovers FC

Service to Football Award
Cecil Newman and Bryan Graff

Volunteer of the Year
Zohal Shahalami

Dieter Klose Community Referee of the Year
Lachlan Montgomery

Tom Dickson Athlete with a Disability Award
Josh Long

Coach of the Year – Male
Ross Fenech – Kingscliff Wolves

Coach of the Year – Female
Kelly Boon – Virginia United

Junior Team of the Year
South Toowoomba Hawks Hammers U16/17A

Senior Team of the Year
Stanthorpe United Premier Men’s Team