Players, coaches and families from across the FQ Academy QAS program came together to celebrate the 2026 season at the end-of-year awards celebration held on Sunday, 20 September.
Lily Punch was honoured with the prestigious Sue Monteath Award for 2026 FQ Academy QAS Player of Year after a standout season in which she also secured the FQ Academy QAS Golden Boot for all competitions.
“The end-of-year awards celebration was a fantastic way to close out the 2026 season as we acknowledged the achievements of players across our FQ Academy QAS program, including those who earned national team call-ups throughout the year,” Isaka Cernak, FQ Manager – FQ Academy QAS said.
“It was wonderful to have Sue Monteath, Queensland’s first ever Matildas captain, join us again this year to present the award named in her honour to Lily Punch who was recognised for an outstanding season in the NPL Women.
“We also celebrated the achievements of individual award winners including our FQ Academy QAS Goalkeeper of the Year Aleisha Manthey and Golden Boot winners Issy Savige (QST Under 15 Girls) and Zahra Ahmed (QST Under 16 Girls) and the players who have been part of the program for five years and longer.
“We measure the success of our program not only by on-field performance, but also through the individual development of players, so it has been extremely encouraging to see graduates of the FQ Academy QAS progress into professional football environments at a young age and gain selection in the Ninja A-League Team of the Season this year, as well as watching the development of players across the entire program from the QST Under 15s to the NPL Women’s squad.
“I’d like to extend a special thank you to our graduating players who have worked incredibly hard and dedicated so much of their time to their development within the FQ Academy QAS program.
“On behalf of Football Queensland, congratulations also to each of our FQ Academy QAS award winners and thank you to every player, coach and family member for their dedication and commitment throughout the 2026 season.”
2026 FQ Academy QAS Award Winners
Sue Monteath Award: Lily Punch
Goalkeeper of the Year: Aleisha Manthey
Golden Boot
- QST Under 15 Girls – Issy Savige
- QST Under 16 Girls – Zahra Ahmed
- All competitions – Lily Punch
QST Under 15 Girls
Players’ Player Award: Savannah Yared
Behaviours and Standards Award: Charlie Wiegand
QST Under 16 Girls
Players’ Player Award: Alexis Ritchie
Behaviours and Standards Award: Akira Booth
FQ Academy QAS
Players’ Player Award: Chloe Murray
National Team Representation
Players who played in QAS matches and have been capped in a sanctioned international game this year with;
CommBank Junior Matildas:
- Aleisha Manthey
- Annie O’Farrell
- Zahra Ahmed
- Natalia Webbe
CommBank Young Matildas
- Lily Punch
Milestones & Graduates:
5 Years of commitment with the FQ Academy QAS:
- Arabella Ryan
- Rani Sharma
- Aurelia Stepanas
6 years of commitment with the FQ Academy QAS:
- Emily Doring
- Rosie McMahon
7 years of commitment with the FQ Academy QAS:
- Darcy Heffernan
- Kasey Peters
8 years of commitment with the FQ Academy QAS:
- Violet McKee
