Seven community football representatives from across Australia have been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to women’s football as part of the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program.

Established in 2021, the AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

Sarah Kerry from Secret Harbour Dockers Football Club in the Perth Football League was acknowledged after devoting her time to developing and progressing women’s football.

First picking up a football in 1991, Sarah has played for 30 years, representing WA and Australian Navy and is currently the Head Coach and Captain of her team at Secret Harbour. 

Joining the Peel Umpires as a teenager, Sarah led the charge for women as the only female field umpire in the region, eventually going on to officiate over 200 games. 

Hoping to inspire the next generation of female footballers, Sarah began her coaching career, where she coached junior and senior women’s sides for eight years, before coaching the State Academy for four years and currently the development coach for Peel Under 15s.

Passionate about progressing women and girls both on and off field, Sarah also dedicates her time as a mentor for two other female coaches to ensure more women are represented in all aspects of the game.

The other six participants in the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program include Katie Kennedy (NSW/ACT), Helen Lee (NT), Kate Guy (QLD), Julie Clifton (SA), Jodie Clifford (TAS) and Ella Angarane (VIC) who were also selected by the AFL for their significant service to women’s football.

Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice and the opportunity to be involved in the 2022 NAB AFLW Finals Series.