Southland Football wrapped up another successful season with its 2025 Awards Evening, recognising top players, coaches, referees, and volunteers from across the region.
The night was a celebration of the sport’s growing strength, both in participation and performance, with accolades handed out across several categories including youth, community, and top-level play.
Southland Football Development and Operations Manager Iain Walker said the event reflected the hard work and passion shown throughout the year.
“Where ever you look in Southland football, whether it’s the players, those with the whistle, the coaches on the sidelines or the volunteers and supporters behind the scenes – there’s exceptional talent, dedication and a genuine love of the game within every club,” he said.
“The annual awards are a really positive way to come together and celebrate all of that and more. It really is great to see not only the numbers in football growing, but the standard of play is really elevating as well. We’ve got some very talented people involved in the sport, and it’s great to be able to recognise that.”
Winton FC had a standout night, claiming Club of the Year and seeing Miguel Ortiz named Men’s Player of the Year. Ortiz also earned the men’s Golden Boot after scoring 16 goals this season.
On the women’s side, Queens Park’s Tyler Andrews was named Women’s Player of the Year, while Amiera Kortbaoui of Gore Wanderers matched Ortiz with 16 goals to claim the Women’s Golden Boot. Kortbaoui also won Women’s Youth Player of the Year.
Old Boys' Jayden Dawson took home Men’s Youth Player of the Year, while the coaching awards were shared among Darryl Hands (Community Coach), Morgan Greene (Women’s Coach), and Hamish Low (Men’s Coach).
Dedicated volunteers were also acknowledged. Cody Kinraid of Winton FC won Community Volunteer of the Year, Alex Sandiford from Old Boys earned Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Craig Campbell from the Referees Association received the Muriel Mathieson Award for his contribution to Southland football.
Gareth Scott (Thistle FC) was recognised as Official of the Year, Douglas Ballie (Thistle FC) as Administrator of the Year, and Nikolay Shevlyakov (Referees Association) as Referee of the Year.
The evening also acknowledged club performances across multiple competitions, with Winton FC, Thistle FC, Gore Wanderers, and others taking home silverware across pre-season, league and knockout fixtures.