The Victorian Amateur Football Association held its 2026 Awards Night on Sunday, October 11, recognising five individuals from member clubs for their coaching, volunteering and leadership in community football.
Adam Lagerewskij of Masala Dandenong Football Club won the 2026 Carruthers Executive Community Coach of the Year for men's teams, after guiding the club to its first senior premiership in 2026.
Harriet Cooper, senior coach of Port Melbourne Chargers Women's Football Club, took out the equivalent women's teams award. Cooper led the Chargers to the Premier B grand final in just the club's second season in the VAFA.
Evan Lloyd of West Brunswick AFC won The Pass Volunteer of the Year award. Lloyd has served the club for more than 20 years as a player, committee member, president and life member, and helped set up a babysitting program at the club to make it easier for parents and carers to stay involved in football.
Cassandra Lamers, head sports trainer at Westbourne Grammarians Football Club, received the Victor Sports Trainer of the Year award.
Amelia Desmond, wellbeing coordinator at Canterbury Football Club, was named the 2026 Tackle Your Feelings Victoria State Champion for her work in mental health awareness within the club.
The VAFA said the awards recognised coaches, volunteers, sports trainers and wellbeing leaders from across its member clubs, and thanked the thousands of people who contribute to the association each season.
Founded in 1892, the VAFA is headquartered at Elsternwick Park and runs six divisions comprising 61 teams across Melbourne.