The Australian football community today celebrates six distinguished members of the football family who have been recognised in the January 26 Honours List for their contributions to the sport and their communities.
Leading the honourees is Clare Polkinghorne OAM (QLD), one of Australian football's most decorated players and a trailblazer for the CommBank Matildas. Polkinghorne's illustrious career spanned 169 international appearances since her debut in 2006. A key figure in the CommBank Matildas' historic 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup triumph, she was a two-time Julie Dolan Medalist, three-time Olympian, and five-time FIFA Women's World Cup participant. She was also named in Football Australia's Team of the Decade (2000-2013).
Alongside Polkinghorne, the following members of the Australian football community were also honoured:
David Bertenshaw OAM (NSW) and the late David Hewitson OAM (SA) have been recognised for their contributions to football. Bertenshaw, a pillar of football in New South Wales, has served as President of Hawkesbury City FC since 1991, with decades of leadership at Football NSW and the Hawkesbury City Sports Council. Hewitson made a lasting impact in South Australian football, holding multiple leadership roles at Football SA and the South Australian Junior Soccer Association.
William Henderson OAM (NSW) and the late Ronald Lord OAM (NSW) were honoured for their achievements as Socceroos. Henderson represented Australia from 1954 to 1956, including the Melbourne Olympic Games, and was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999. Lord, a goalkeeper from 1951 to 1964, also represented Australia at the Melbourne Olympic Games and was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.
Graham Mapri OAM (QLD) was acknowledged for his contributions to football and futsal in Brisbane. His work as a coach and administrator at Clairvaux FC, Mt Gravatt Hawks FC, and various junior futsal teams has had a profound impact on grassroots football and futsal in Queensland.
Football Australia Chairman, Anter Isaac, said: "On behalf of the Football Australia Board and the Australian football community, I congratulate Clare, David, William, David, Ron, and Graham on their well-deserved recognition."
"Clare's extraordinary career is an inspiration to all. She has set a benchmark for excellence in Australian football, and it is fitting to see her honoured alongside others who have dedicated themselves to the growth of our game - whether through leadership, administration, or grassroots development."
"Each of today's honourees has left a lasting impact on football in Australia, and we are grateful for their invaluable service to our community. On Australia Day, a day that celebrates our nation and its diverse contributions, it is particularly special to see members of our football family recognised for their commitment to the game and its role in uniting communities across the country."
"As Australia's largest and most diverse participation sport, Football Australia is proud to see these outstanding individuals acknowledged for their contributions," Isaac concluded.
HONOUR'S RECIPIENTS
- David Bertenshaw OAM (NSW): For service to soccer as an administrator and coach. David Bertenshaw OAM has dedicated decades to football, serving as President of Hawkesbury City FC since 1991, Youth Technical Director, and First Grade Coach for over 20 years. He is also President of the Hawkesbury City Sports Council and a Life Member of both organisations. At Football NSW, he chairs the NPL 3 Division Standing Committee and has contributed to various technical committees since the 1990s. The main soccer field in Hawkesbury was renamed David Bertenshaw Field in 2014.
- William Henderson OAM (NSW): For service to football. William Henderson OAM represented the Socceroos from 1954 to 1956 (cap #128), including as part of the Australian Olympic Team in 1956. Mr Henderson OAM was honoured for his contributions to the sport and was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.
- The late David Hewitson OAM (SA): For service to football as an administrator. David Hewitson OAM significantly contributed to football in South Australia, serving as a Board Director of Football SA across multiple terms from 2006 to 2021 and earning Life Membership in 2010. Hewitson's leadership extended to the South Australian Junior Soccer Association as Vice-Chairman and Life Member and was a long-serving Chairman of the Noarlunga District Junior Soccer Association. Recognised for his dedication, he received the Football SA Hall of Honour Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2014.
- The late Ronald Lord OAM (NSW): For service to football. Ronald Lord represented the Socceroos as a player from 1951 to 1964 (cap #144) and was goalkeeper for Australia's soccer team competing at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. Over his career, he made 339 First Grade appearances, playing for clubs including Sydney FC Prague, Auburn, Drummoyne, and Rozelle. Ronald was also inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Graham Mapri OAM (QLD): For service to sport in the Brisbane region. Graham Mapri OAM has made significant contributions to football and futsal through coaching and administration. At Clairvaux FC, he served as a committee member and coached both senior and junior teams. While as junior Chairperson and committee member at Mt Gravatt Hawks FC, Mapri also coached junior futsal teams in Queensland.
- Clare Polkinghorne OAM (QLD): For service to football. Clare Polkinghorne OAM first appeared for the CommBank Matildas in 2006 (cap #140) and went on to represent Australia 169 times, scoring 16 goals and playing at 15 major international tournaments. Polkinghorne was selected for five senior FIFA tournaments (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and three Olympic Games Football tournaments (2016, 2020, 2024). The defender also featured in five AFC Women's Asian Cup tournaments (2008, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), including the 2010 title-winning side, and the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup™ in Russia. She was also named in the Football Australia Team of the Decade (2000-2013) and captained the CommBank Matildas on 28 occasions (fourth of all-time), including at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015™ and Rio 2016™ Olympics.
