Women's football recognised
Football Federation Australia (FFA) was named as National Association of the Year at the annual Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Awards.
The prestigious award is given to a Member Association of the AFC in recognition of its exceptional contribution to the development and promotion of the game within their country, particularly related to grassroots and national league development, participation in continental and world wide competitions and professionalism in administration and governance.
"We are delighted with this news," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley from London.
"It is a wonderful recognition of everyone involved in women's football in Australia.
“The women-s game globally is growing in popularity and stature and is one of the few sports available for talented women athletes to represent their country from an early age."
Buckley said that in the past twelve months: - grassroots participation continued to increase with almost 100,000 girls and women playing football in formal competition, and even more informally - the Westfield Matildas have played more than 20 internationals including being placed fourth in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in May - the Westfield W-League has been established with the support of the Federal Government, Westfield and the ABC, and - a new Women's department has been established with Ms Leeanne Grantham appointed head of women's football in October.
Buckley said that women-s football is an important priority for FFA, having enjoyed an average annual growth rate of 6.3% over the past five years.
"Women also form the backbone of volunteeer duties at junior clubs, with more than 100,000 volunteers each week making sure community and grassroots clubs tick over.
Accepting the Award in Kuala Lumpur on behalf of FFA, Grantham said FFA was honoured to win the award.