Football Queensland is delighted to announce Rebecca Emerson as Female Player of the Year as part of the 2022 Female Football Week Awards.  

With a playing career spanning over 35 years, Emerson is one of the most capped female players in the Central Coast region. Her peers describe her as a “competitive but classy” footballer who has been instrumental in supporting and progressing female football at Central FC Gladstone.

“As a club, Gladstone Central is family friendly, which I really enjoy. My brothers played and both my mum and dad were life members,” Emerson said.

“I love the comradery in the club, and I love that it’s a family kind of club as well. I just love playing soccer and I play for the fun of it.”  

In addition to playing for Central FC, she has also nurtured the club’s junior program through coaching.  

“I coached U6 and now, it’s one team of U10, U11 and U12 girls. I love coaching and I just love letting the girls have fun at this age.” 

Captaining the senior women’s team at the club for many years, Emerson is described as constantly leading by example both on and off the field. Through her efforts in recruiting team members as well as retaining existing players, she has been integral in the development of the club’s senior women’s side from its infancy.  

Throughout her extensive career, Emerson has also seen significant growth across women’s football within the Central Coast region, praising the progress that has been made. 

“When I started playing there were no female teams. When I finished juniors, I did move into playing with ladies then but during my time with juniors, I played with boys.    

“I’ve seen it go from six teams in the local competition to maybe eight or ten before moving into first division, and then the Premier League. So, it’s definitely progressed.” 

To be recognised for her enthusiasm and commitment to the Central Coast region’s football community is an unexpected but welcome achievement, Emerson explained.   

“Winning this award is a bit exciting and unexpected but it’s very nice.” 

As Female Football Week continues, more award winners will be recognised over the coming days as Football Queensland acknowledges the valuable contributions of individuals and clubs across the women’s game.