Southland Football Awards 2025


TEAM AWARDS


PRE-SEASON TROPHIES

  1. Reserve Grade Trophy – Thistle FC 
  2. Men’s Premier Trophy- Winton FC 
  3. Women’s Trophy – Gore Wanderers


  DIVISION THREE TROPHIES 

  1. League Cup – Winton FC 
  2. Division Three Knockout Cup – Thistle FC 

  DIVISION TWO TROPHIES 

  1. League Cup – Te Anau FC 
  2. Challenge Cup – Queens Park AFC 


  DIVISION ONE TROPHIES

  1. League Cup – Thistle FC
  2. Challenge Cup – Balclutha AFC

  WOMEN’S TROPHIES 

  1. Kolk Cup – Gore Wanderers AFC 
  2. Ottley Challenge Trophy – Gore Wanderers AFC  

 

  CHURCHILL ROSE BOWL (for going the furthest in Chatham Cup or Kate Sheppard Cup) - Editors Cut Queens Park Men SPL


  PREMIER MEN’S TROPHIES 

  1. George Te Au Cup (runner up in Donald Gray) – Southern Steel Windows Old Boys AFC 
  2. Donald Gray Memorial Cup – Winton FC
  3. Larry O’Rorke Challenge Trophy – Southern Steel Windows Old Boys AFC


  END OF SEASON CUPS 

  1. Edinburgh Trophy – Balclutha AFC 
  2. SBS Bank Knockout Cup – IHire Thistle FC 
  3. SBS Bank Super Cup - IHire Thistle FC 
  4. Charity Cup – Southern Steel Old Boys AFC
  5. Men’s Super Cup – Southern Steel Windows Old Boys AFC


PERFORMANCE & COMMUNITY AWARDS


  1. OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a Referee, Team Manager and/or Official who has contributed significantly to the game and the development of this role; Works selflessly to maintain high standards in their chosen role; makes themselves available for a variety of activities and games at all levels; works well as a team member and supports and encourages voluntary effort.


FINALISTS

  • Gareth Scott – Thistle FC
  • Douglas Ballie – Thistle FC
  • Steph Wilson – Winton FC

WINNER – Gareth Scott – Thistle FC (Written by Callum Feely – Club Secretary)

Gareth Scott has given many years of dedicated service to Thistle FC, continuing a proud family legacy with the club. He has supported and coached across many levels, from juniors to seniors, guiding teams to success in multiple grades.

In 2025, Gareth stepped into the role of Club President, taking on significantly expanded responsibilities. Taking everything in his stride, his calm leadership, tireless commitment, and positive approach have earned him the respect of both the Thistle family and the wider Southland football community.

From overseeing club governance, to supporting kids on the sideline, to managing senior team logistics, and leading the Division 1 side to a league title, Gareth’s outstanding contribution exemplifies the spirit of Thistle FC.

The club congratulates him on this award, and proudly recognises Gareth for his exceptional service and leadership and is proud to have him at the helm.


  1. TOP GOAL SCORERS


  1. Women’s Golden Boot –  Amiera Kortbaoui (Gore Wanderers FC) 16 Goals
  2. Stu Munro Trophy – Miguel Ortiz (Winton FC) 16 Goals


  1. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

This award is to recognise an Administrator who has contributed significantly to the administration of football in their club; takes responsibility for leadership roles within the organisation; Puts interests of the community and the people at heart; gives over and above what could reasonably be expected from a person in that position; works well as a team member and gets the best out of people.


FINALISTS

  • Douglas Ballie – Thistle FC
  • Karen Gargiulo – Queens Park AFC
  • Mel McKenzie – Gore Wanderers AFC

WINNER – Douglas Ballie (Written by Gareth Scott – Club President)

Our junior club runs because of Douglas. He is the heart and backbone of Thistle Football Club – committed, caring, club-proud and fiercely loyal. For more than 50 years, Douglas has lived and breathed Thistle, beginning his journey in 1972 as a junior player before moving into senior football. Over the years he has coached men’s, women’s, and junior teams, served as secretary, treasurer, and junior coordinator, and been recognised as both a Thistle FC Life Member and a Southland Football Life Member. His legacy is woven into the fabric of the game in our region.

Today, Douglas continues to give countless hours ensuring football thrives not only at Thistle but across Southland. He represents our club on the Southland Junior Committee, where he is a strong and respected voice for all junior players in the region. With his depth of knowledge and experience, he is the person who makes things happen – from working through dispensations to organising coaches, uniforms, practice times, and training areas. He is there behind the scenes pumping up balls, sorting gear, and at season’s end carefully packing everything away – always with a smile (and usually a cake of soap in hand!). Without Douglas’s administration exploits, our junior club simply would not be the success it is today.

His dedication extends well beyond football operations. Douglas is the one vacuuming, tidying, and clearing rubbish from the clubrooms on a Sunday, ensuring our facilities remain a place we are proud of. Despite our encouragement to let others share the load, Douglas continues to do everything the club needs of him – and more.

Thistle is incredibly proud to have such a true legend of Southland football attached to our club. Douglas’s lifetime of service embodies what community sport is all about: selfless dedication, loyalty, and love for the game and its people.


  1. REFEREE OF THE YEAR


Lyndal to call Peter Miller to present this award.

FINALISTS

  • Samantha Keen – Referees Association
  • Gary Boyles – Referees Association
  • Nikolay Shevlyakov – Referees Association


WINNER – Nikolay Shevlyakov - Referees Association


  1. COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR

This award is to recognise a volunteer coach who has contributed significantly to Football in Southland at any level including junior, youth, senior, futsal, summer football, college league, etc; contributes to the development of players and/or other coaches; has demonstrated a positive commitment to ongoing learning and development as a coach and displays positive behaviours on and off the field.


FINALISTS

  • Gareth Scott – Thistle FC
  • Sam Flannery – Southend FC
  • Darryl Hands – Southland High Performance Football Academy


WINNER – Darryl Hands (Written by Leigh Matthews – Southland Football High Performance Academy Coach)

A huge congratulations to Darryl on being named Community Coach of the Year! His energy, professionalism, and ability to adapt to whatever is asked of him make him an outstanding role model within our football whānau. Whether working with different age groups or stepping in to help where needed, Darryl’s commitment and passion shine through in everything he does. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the impact he has on players and our community.


  1. COACH OF THE YEAR AWARDS


  1. Women’s Coach of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Morgan Greene – Gore Wanderers AFC
  • Keith Hawkes – Thistle FC
  • Leeann Duston – Queens Park AFC


WINNER – Morgan Greene – Gore Wanderers AFC (Written be Mel McKenzie – Captain)

What a season it’s been. Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better coach to lead us this year. It was Morgan’s first time coaching our team, with Regan backing him up, and right from the start he was nothing but supportive, encouraging, and genuinely there for us.

Morgan knows the game inside out, but what really stood out was how much he believed in us. That belief shaped the way we trained, the way we played, and the way we carried ourselves on and off the pitch. He created an environment where we felt confident, pushed ourselves harder, and still enjoyed every moment. His passion for the team was obvious, and it showed in our results — from an unbeaten pre-season and holding the Pre-Season Cup, to lifting both the Ottley Cup and the Kolk Cup, which for those of you that may not know... This is the first time in the history of our team to win the Kolk cup! 

But it wasn’t just about winning games. Coaching a women’s team in what is still such a male-dominated sport can come with challenges, yet Morgan never treated us as “just a women’s team.” He celebrated us as footballers, as athletes, and as a team to be reckoned with. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to advocate for us, challenging the stigma and making sure we had the respect and opportunities we deserve. That leadership meant just as much as the silverware.

And that leadership was felt deeply within the team. In our reflection meeting at the end of the season, so many of us said this year felt different — it felt like we weren’t just a team, but a family. Our younger players especially shared how uplifted, supported, and valued they felt, and that’s a legacy Morgan has built that goes far beyond the field.

Because of that, this season became about so much more than trophies. Morgan built a culture of trust, unity, and pride — a culture where we backed each other, lifted each other up, and grew stronger together. That’s what made this year so special, and why it will be remembered for years to come.

So tonight, it’s with huge pride and gratitude that we present Morgan Greene with the 2025 Coach of the Year award. Congratulations, Morgan — you’ve more than earned it!


  1. Men’s Coach of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Paddy Murphy – Queens Park AFC
  • Hamish Low – Old Boys AFC
  • Cody Kinraid – Winton FC

WINNER – HAMISH LOW (OLD BOYS AFC) (Written by Nic Popham – President – Old Boys AFC)

In his second year coaching the Old Boys’ Donald Gray side, Hamish has earned this recognition through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to developing both the game and his players.

Hamish led a side mixed with youth and senior presence to a league topping 9 wins, finishing second behind Donald Gray winners Winton. Hamish’s determination to push his team for the entire season resulted in Old Boys’ securing three pieces of silverware in the last 3 weeks of the season – holding onto Larry, winning the Charity Cup, before taking the helm to lead Old Boys’ to victory in the Super Cup.

Hamish has an ability to relate to all his players, setting high standards and creating a positive team environment to get the best out of his side. His coaching has not only delivered strong performances on the field in Premier Men, but also helped nurture the next wave of SPL players for Old Boys.

This award is a reflection of his hard work, passion, and the respect he’s gained across the football community.


  1. YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

A volunteer under the age of 21, who contributes significantly to Football as a coach, administrator and/or official at Club or School level, making a significant contribution to the success of the Club/School and is a positive and inspiring role model to other young people through their behaviour and involvement


FINALISTS

  • David Castillo – Thistle FC
  • Alexander Sandiford – Old Boys AFC
  • Fenix Moodie- Referee Association


WINNER – Alex Sandiford (Old Boys AFC) (Written by Rose Hanley-Nickolls – fellow Referee)

Alex Sandiford has been building on the work that saw him awarded the Muriel Mathieson Trophy last year. His drive to ensure football in Southland thrives is reflected in his volunteering work this year. Alex has coached the Old Boy’s under 12s; a junior team at James Hargest where he is a student; has worked as an assistant coach with the Southland Under 14 girls; and with the Southland Football High Performance Academy.

Alex is an active member of the referee group and has run the junior referees programme as part of his internship with Southern Football. His volunteering efforts also contribute to governance at a regional level as the rangatahi representative on the Southland Football board.

Alex is putting his love for football and his community in to action, demonstrating that volunteering presents fantastic opportunities people at any age.


YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS


  1. Women’s Youth Player of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Amiera Kortbaoui (Gore Wanderers AFC)
  • Lilly Hogan (Queens Park AFC)
  • Cora O’Rourke (Thistle FC)


WINNER – Amiera Kortbaoui Gore Wanderers (Written by Morgan Greene – Coach)

Amiera first started playing football as a 5 year old. She was a natural right from the start and stood out as one to watch. As she developed through the grades her natural aptitude was enhanced by lots of practice. This is now her second year playing senior football. She stands out as highly skilful with fantastic ball control and has a real eye for goal. She’s often seen before and even during practice ball juggling and practicing her freestyle skills. In particular this season she has strengthened her game by adding defensive solidity to her midfield role. She also contributes at a wider club level coaching an 8th grade team last season and a 10th grade side this year. She is fun off the field and has a real role in helping younger players adapt into senior football.

It is our pleasure to announce Amiera Kortbaoui as Southland Youth Player of the Year for 2025

  1. Men’s Youth Player of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Lars Meehan (Thistle FC)
  • Sergio Matias Pino Contreras (Winton FC)
  • Jayden Dawson (Old Boys AFC)


WINNER – Jayden Dawson Old Boys AFC (Written by Nic Popham – President – Old Boys AFC)

Few players can step up from u15 Development League to SPL in a season, but Jayden Dawson has been one to take the leap becoming a pivotable selection for Old Boys’ SPL side. Showcasing maturity beyond his years on and off the field, Jayden combines hard work and composure with natural talent, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Jayden’s development has been a shining light this season for Old Boys’, with his commitment to training and passion for continuous improvement setting the standard for his teammates and young players across the region.

Jayden’s recognition as Youth Player of the Year is a reflection of not only his on-field excellence but also his positive attitude, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship.

Congratulations Jayden – a well-deserved honour for an outstanding young footballer.


  1. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Community volunteer of the year is someone who has positively contributed to making their Football Community better having a significant impact on the sport and the people.

Their attitude and behaviour are outstanding and have a positive impact on people’s

experience including but not limited to being reliable and fair, making football fun, being selfless, being well respected and liked by other, inspiring people to be their best self, taking initiative & give things a go, role modelling positive behaviour on and off the field, demonstrating generosity with their work – either with their time, energy, sharing something special or financially

They have a feel-good spirit that brings people closer together through shared experiences


FINALISTS

  • Leeann Duston – Queens Park AFC
  • Gareth Scott – Thistle FC
  • Cody Kinraid – Winton FC


WINNER – Cody Kinraid - Winton FC (Written by Wendy Boniface – Junior Co-ordinator)

Cody has taken on numerous roles in the club this year as well as being the club president.   He has coached the Premier Men’s team, as well as playing himself, and he coached a junior team, the same team he has had for a few years, along with starting off the season coaching the women’s team, (which he had done for a number of years) until some-one else was able to take over.

He is always available for club fundraising activities along with chairing the committee meetings and attends Southland Football meetings as required when available.     He often assists with keeping the field lines in order as well as the goals and liaises with the Southland District Council especially regarding mowing of the fields.   In our summer football leagues he helps referee junior games as well as keeping an eye on things to ensure it runs smoothly.


  1. PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS


  1. Women’s Player of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Tyler Andrews (Queens Park AFC)
  • Amiera Kortbaoui (Gore Wanderers AFC)
  • Phoebe Mason (Thistle FC)


WINNER – Tyler Andrews – (Written by Leeann Duston – Coach)

Tyler has been an absolutely outstanding player this season. Her greatest strength lies in her ability to create opportunities out of nothing—turning tight situations into game-changing moments. She consistently gives 100% on the field, working tirelessly for the full 90 minutes regardless of how the game unfolds.

Her impact has been undeniable: Tyler either assisted or scored an incredible 90% of our goals this season. Her dedication, creativity, and relentless energy make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Tyler’s willingness to step into any position when needed—and still perform at her best—is a true testament to the kind of player she is. Her adaptability and commitment to the team’s success set a powerful example for others.


  1. Men’s Player of the Year


FINALISTS

  • Calem Castle (Queens Park AFC)
  • Miguel Ortiz (Winton FC)
  • Nshuti Honore (Thistle FC)


WINNER – Miguel Ortiz (Winton FC) (Written by Cody Kinraid – Coach)

Since joining Winton 3 seasons ago Miguel has been a pivotal figure within not only our squad but the whole club. when he’s on the pitch Miguel brings so much experience and quality with him. He will always make the defenders have a difficult game more than likely bagging a couple in the back of the net as he goes. His leadership on the pitch is so valuable to the young ones in the team. Leading by example he’s always putting in the work for the team and quite often he can drag the team over the line. as everyone knows how good of a player Miguel is,  he’s a player you love to have on your team but don’t like to face him. At the age of 41 Miguel still played every minute of each game he was involved in this season. his dedication is second to none. Always one of the firsts at trainings and the last to leave and always willing to help everyone around him.


  1. CLUB OF THE YEAR

The club of the year award will be awarded to a club that has made a positive impact on the community and their people. The club must show but not limited to:

• Focuses on enhancing the quality of the opportunities provided to their members

• Providing playing and development opportunities for all ages, genders, and skill levels

• Offering inclusive and diverse opportunities for all

• Have coaches that encouraged their players and are positive role models in the community

• Is a club that gets involved for the greater good of their people and the community, not just the good of the sport

• Invests time, effort, and resources to strengthen their junior programme with an emphasis on fun, enjoyment, and inclusion

• Provides a safe social and emotional environment for members and families

• They try innovative ways of enhancing, strengthening and/or improving their clubs, their members’ experiences, and their operations


  • Gore Wanderers AFC
  • Thistle FC
  • Winton FC


WINNER – Winton FC – (Written by Steph Wilson – Club Secretary)

Winning this award is an amazing achievement for our club  

The Winton Football Club has for the first time won the Men's D/G Premier League, along with fielding a Men's Div 3 Team who also won their competition.  Winton also fielded a Women's Team and six junior teams.  We hold a mid- season pizza night to thank all the club volunteers.

Our Summer Football Competition is very popular and brings in players from Hauroko to Lumsden and all around Central Southland.  Last year we had 40 Junior Teams and 16 Seniors Teams in the competition, overall bringing approximately 500 people a week to games.  Looking close to these numbers again this year. It gives the opportunity for players, some of whom it is the first time they have played football, to then come and play winter football in the following season because they have loved the summer league.  Some also play summer football because they can play in a team with their friends which may not be possible in their chosen winter sports.  We have converted some very loyal rugby families to football over the last few years.  

We have entered a float in the Winton Open Day Parade.  Winton is well known for it's Game Day BBQ,  which is great on a cold day.   The BBQ also operates at the Winton Wide Garage Sales

We have displayed the Trophies we have won around Local Businesses in Winton this year, so people who are not involved in the club have become aware of us and supportive of the club and its teams.   Our senior teams have up to 8 different nationalities with different cultures which enriches us as a club.   We are proud to be a family friendly Club. 


MURIEL MATHIESON AWARD (Overall contribution to football in Southland)


FINALISTS

  • Craig Campbell (Referees Association)
  • Mel McKenzie (Gore Wanderers AFC)
  • Gareth Scott (Thistle FC)


WINNER – Craig Campbell (Referees Association) (Written by Craig Smith – fellow Referee)
Like most who receive this award, Craig’s time in the sport has spanned decades.

Firstly, as a player Craig represented Queens Park AFC as both a junior and senior player. As he progressed, both in age and ability, he was recognised in various Southland age group teams and Queens Parks senior men’s teams. Over time Craig became a specialist goal keeper and it was in this position he excelled, however he was also a very capable fullback and often came out of goals to fill holes anywhere in the back line. He was part of the Queens Park team that competed in the Southern League competition in the early 90’s.  Following the clubs abeyance in the lower social leagues, Craig was an integral member of the foundation team that took the leap to compete again in the Southland Premier competition, the Donald Gray cup as it was known then. That leap was the catalyst for QP’s resurgence to the club we see to today.  During that period of abeyance and rapid growth Craig assisted with duties on the committee at QP.

Following a few years with that resurgent senior team and the reserves Craig took what most considered the unusual step of changing his outlook on footy and took up the whistle becoming a referee. That transition typifies Craig, he saw an issue, and instead of whinging about it he got on about solving it, his solution join them and try to be better. It took no more than three games in his first season for the then referee president and top assessor to see his potential and presto he was refereeing Donald Gray cup games, the highest local competition.  By the start of the next season Craig was promoted onto the SPL panel meaning regular trips out of Southland to Dunedin and Central Otago. Craig has officiated at that or higher level successfully for a prolonged period and if it wasn’t for an untimely meniscus tear, he would still be one of the best at that level. He is simply a great ref, level headed, calm, consistent and stern when required, but most importantly a good communicator. Craig made it through NZF’s ranks but that pesky knee scarpered his chances at national men’s level right as he was looking to be placed onto the panels. So did he let that stop him heck no, Craig is continuing his let’s fix it roles now as a mentor, referee coach and as a formal assessor, when he’s not chucking some pain relief down his throat and getting out there still. As an assessor Craig has already made it onto the highest local national league panel, sharing his knowledge of what makes a good match official within the National Women’s League.

Off the field Craig helps the local referee group in trainings and has taken on a most pivotal role for the group as the local appointments officer. Craig liaises with the group in Dunedin and Southland Football about what is happening, places bodies in the appropriate places, all as a volunteer, with a smile on his face, as the pieces move and late notifications of changes come in.  The hours he spends in this role cannot be taken for granted as the plan for each week constantly evolves. In addition to this he acts as the local groups deputy chair and often acts as a sounding board in relation to plans from the group and fields club grievances, again displaying those same calm, level headed traits with a solutions focussed approach.

Craig your presence in the sport for over 40 years is really appreciated and valued and this recognition is well deserved. Thankyou for your time, your patience and your let’s just get it done attitude.