Peters named Female Footballer of the Year
Recently retired Westfield Matilda Jo Peters was named as the inaugural Female Footballer of the Year at a glittering Australian Football Awards ceremony in Sydney.
Peters was stunned to be announced the winner after struggling for the past year with injury, although she did enjoy a good Westfield W-League season.
“I was flattered just to be nominated for this award,” said a shocked Peters to the waiting media.
“I-m very surprised; I was surprised I was even able to play last year having all the injuries that I have had.
“I was able to play in the W-League and enjoy a fantastic season and to retire on this note as well means a lot to me.
“I have just loved every minute of my career and it almost wants me to make a comeback. It means the world to me.
Peters started her football career in the small NSW country town of Leeton and her success showed that kids from these small places can succeed.
“Coming from Leeton, I just love inspiring all the country kids out there that they can make it to play for Australia one day.
“The country towns just love there sport and it means so much to them and I feel privileged to be an ambassador for country kids in sport.”
Peters believes that women-s football is gaining strength and hopes to add her own mark now that her playing career has finished.
“Women-s football has come such a long way and I want to thank the FFA for making young girls dreams come true, like putting money into things like the Westfield W-League and the Westfield Matildas.
“To continue that is so important and I hope that other girls can have the same experience that I have had in football.”
“I am already straight into coaching. I want to pass on now what I have learnt from the game to younger girls coming through.
“It-s a new challenge; there-s more pressure than on a player and I have found that out already, but I am loving it and I feel that is what god has made for me to do as well.”
Kyah Simon won the Female U20 Footballer of the Year after starring for Central Coast Mariners and both the Westfield Matildas and Westfield Young Matildas sides. Kyah is also a mentor for the FFA-s new Indigenous Football Program.
In the non-professional awards category, Female Coach of the Year award went to Raeanne Dower, who coached the Queensland Under 17 team for three years and won the National title in 2008.