Kerr named WA's Young Australian of the Year

The accolades keep coming for football superstar Sam Kerr, with the Westfield Matildas ace last night named Western Australia’s 2018 Young Australian of the Year moments after she scored two stunning goals in Australia’s 3-0 international friendly win over China PR in Melbourne.

Kerr, who resides in Fremantle and plays for Perth Glory in the Westfield W-League, will now represent Western Australia at the 2018 Australian of the Year awards ceremony in Canberra on January 25, 2018.

Recognition as WA’s Young Australian of the Year adds yet another honour to Kerr’s list of recent accomplishments, with the 24-year-old having enjoyed a record-breaking year at both club and international level.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman, Steven Lowy AM, today congratulated Kerr on her latest award, and explained that the Glory gun could add more silverware to her growing collection next week in Bangkok.

“On behalf of Australia’s football family, I would like to congratulate Sam Kerr for being named Western Australia’s 2018 Young Australian of the Year,” said Lowy.

“Sam’s brilliant performances on the pitch in 2017, combined with her humble approach off it, means that she is truly deserving of every honour that comes her way.

“Sam could become the third Australian player in the last four years to win the AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award when the annual AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Awards are held in Thailand next week,” concluded Lowy.

FFA’s Head of Women’s, Football Development, and Community Football, Emma Highwood, said Kerr and the Westfield Matildas are currently inspiring young girls and boys around the country to be involved with football.

“The Westfield Matildas claimed their sixth straight win in international competition in front of nearly 11,000 fans at AAMI Park on Wednesday night,” said Highwood.

“While Sam Kerr was central to the action, the efforts of the whole team on the field during the match and following the game to acknowledge the crowd ensured that supporters went home happy.

“The Westfield Matildas will play China PR again this Sunday, and we’re sure that another healthy crowd will venture to GMHBA Stadium in Geelong to support one of Australia’s most exciting and engaging national teams,” concluded Highwood.

Tickets for Sunday’s international friendly between the Westfield Matildas and China PR at GMBHA Stadium in Geelong can be purchased at www.matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets.

Kick-off on Sunday is at 4.30pm (AEDT) and the match will be broadcast LIVE on both FOX SPORTS and SBS VICELAND.