STFA holds star-studded presentation night to celebrate 2020 season

Representatives from local and state government, Macarthur FC, Football NSW, the FFA, and even the Matildas appeared to celebrate the STFA presentation night.

Held on Tuesday, October 27, the STFA gathered a hugely influential crowd of speakers to present awards to its players, coaches, supporters, and administrators for a successful season.

Federal member for Hume, Angus Taylor, and state member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, opened the proceedings after some preliminary awards were announced in a short video.

"It's extraordinary that you've been able to achieve what you have this season under very, very difficult circumstances," Taylor said on video to the members of the STFA gathered at the Goulburn Workers Club.

"We all know how important local sport is to our community, and to be able to keep going through COVID, albeit under difficult circumstances, is a great thing for your clubs and of course for the community."

Mrs Tuckerman followed Mr Taylor, and expressed appreciation for the role played by the STFA in promoting women's football.

"Sport, particularly in mainstream media, has seen a significant shift focused on women's excellence in recent years from Ellyse Perry, Ash Barty, Sam Kerr, and of course our extraordinary Matildas," Mrs Tuckerman said.

"Australia and the world right now are participating in a never-before-experienced interest in women's elite-level sport, and as a result, the profile of women's sport is increasing every day.

"A new level of appreciation is ticking away for something that clubs like the STFA have known for many years, and that's just how good and entertaining at sport our women and girls really are."

Each speaker also presented at least one award, which ranged from the Male and Female Players of the Year in various age groups, through to awards which recognised the efforts of volunteers who support their clubs.

One such volunteer who received praise from Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor, Bob Kirk, was Marulan FC coach, player, and administrator Daniel Cooper.

Kirk described Cooper as "a person that every organisation needs". With four children of his own, Cooper coaches four teams, plays for the Marulan AAM side, sets up, maintains, and packs up the fields every game day, orders equipment and uniforms, and referees.

"Daniel is truly the definition of what Marulan spirit is all about, and football in general," Cr Kirk concluded. "Like I said, every club needs a Daniel, and the existence of Marulan football over the last ten years has heavily relied on Daniel Cooper and his family's contribution and dedication."

There were also some special appearances from FFA technical director, Trevor Morgan, and Matildas defender, Claire Polkinghorne, who presented the Male and Female Rising Star Awards to Lachlan Scott of the Goulburn Workers and Brianna Norris of Stags FC respectively.

"I'm told Lachlan is a centre back, and his coolness on the ball and tactical knowledge means that nothing phases him," Morgan said.

"It's so amazing to hear that even at 14 years of age, Brianna was playing in the AAW competition, and won player of the match in the grand final," Polkinghorne continued.

FFA CEO James Johnson concluded the video by presenting the Outstanding Service to Football Award to Graham 'Fred' Eddy, for his decades of support for the STFA.

All awards recipients are listed below:

2020 Junior Boys Team of the Year

2020 Men's Team of the Year

Under 13s Boys Player of the Year

Under 15s Boys Player of the Year

Colts Player of the Year

Open Men's Player of the Year

Fair Play Award

Junior Girls Team of the Year

Women's Team of the Year

Under 13s Female Player of the Year

Under 15s Female Player of the Year

Open Women's Player of the Year

Game Leader Male Award

Game Leader Award Female

Team Encouragement Award

Coach of the Year

Supporter of the Year

Club Person of the Year

Male Rising Star Award

Female Rising Star Award

Outstanding Service to Football Award

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