Perth's Katelyn Smith named ParaMatildas Player of the Year

West Aussie goalkeeper Katelyn Smith and Daniel Campbell from NSW have taken out the prestigious Player of the Year prizes at the 2022 Annual Para Football Awards held at the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast. 

Campbell, 19, was rewarded for a stellar year with the CommBank Pararoos in which he recorded his first ever hattrick at the IFCPF Men’s World Cup. For Campbell, it completes the set of awards following his 2018 Young Pararoo of the Year. 

A Perth native, Smith collected another piece of history on the night as she claimed the inaugural CommBank ParaMatildas Player of the Year title. Imperious for the women’s national team in their first IFCPF Women’s World Cup campaign, Smith was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament following the team’s silver medal-winning run.

Smith, 26, also claimed the women’s Golden Glove for 2022 to join her trophy from the World Cup.  While in the men’s Golden Glove category, veteran CommBank Pararoos custodian and fellow West Australian Christopher Barty shook off the strong challenge from the up-and-coming Christian Tsangas. Barty was also shortlisted for the Pararoo of the Year along with another West Australian, Connor Bunce.

In the Rookie of the Year category, World Cup debutants Jeremy Boyce and Rae Anderson were recognised for their performances this year.  

The Goal of the Year delighted those in attendance with the quality of the two strikes as Connor Bunce and Eloise Northam both produced stunners against the United States in their respective World Cup matches.   

The final awards of the night were presented by former Paralympian Kurt Fearnley as he announced the Undefeated Champions for 2022. This category acknowledges and celebrates those players who have demonstrated their “undefeated” spirit both on and off the pitch. Benjamin Sutton and Tahlia Blanshard collected the awards for the tireless and selfless promotion of their respective teams and as powerful disability advocates. Their consistent efforts across social media and through public forums have helped shape conversations, break down barriers, and show the next generation that anything is possible.

The Para Football Awards Dinner is part of the 2022 Para Football National Championship currently taking place at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast from 24 – 28 September. 

The Gold Fields WA State Paras followed up their two big wins on the opening day with another convincing display as they brushed aside Capital Football 5-0.

2022 ANNUAL PARA FOOTBALL AWARDS DINNER

(Winners in bold)