Maria Berry AM Coaching Scholarship.
This scholarship is specifically designed for women because the barriers are gendered, the gap is gendered, and the solution must be intentionally gendered. Women don’t just need access to coaching courses, they need the ecosystem of support, mentoring, networks, and visibility that has traditionally been available primarily to men.
By investing in women as community coaches today, we create:
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Role models for the next generation of players and coaches
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A pipeline of experienced, qualified women coaches who can progress to state, national, and international levels should they choose
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Cultural change at community level, where most Australians experience football
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Living proof that women belong in coaching and leadership
This is how Maria worked. This is how we honour her memory and her incredible legacy. This is how we create the change football in Australia needs.
Scholarship Offer.
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1 × Major Scholarship valued at: $3,247 ($3,000 cash + in-kind )
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4 × Development Scholarships: $4,988 ($1,000 x 4 cash = $4,000 + in-kind)
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Total: $6,988 cash + value of in-kind
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
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Applications are only open to Women Onside members
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Women and gender diverse coaches working at community club or junior/youth level
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Applicants actively coaching and/or aspiring coaches wanting to start
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Applicants are to be based in Australia. Strong preference will be given to applicants residing in Victoria (reflecting Maria's base) for the major scholarship
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One of the development scholarships will be awarded to a goalkeeping coach
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Minimum age is 18.
Applicants must demonstrate:
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Commitment to community football coaching
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Willingness to contribute to the women's coaching community
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Capacity to complete a community commitment period following completion of the scholarship
Scholarship Benefits
All scholarship recipients will receive:
Financial Support:
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Funding for coaching course fees
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Contribution towards conference registration fees
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Contribution towards travel and accommodation assistance for professional development
Professional Development (no cost):
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Membership to Women Onside
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Membership to Football Coaches Australia
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Internship at Melbourne Victory Football Club (applies only to the major scholarship holder)
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Dedicated mentor from the Women Onside coaching network
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Access to Women Onside’s Coaching Network and resources
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Access to Football Coaches Australia resources
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Invitations to Women Onside and Football Coaches Australia webinars and events
Community Commitment Obligations:
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Present as a speaker or panellist in at least one Women Onside and one Football Coaches Australia webinar or event during the scholarship period
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Share learnings through a newsletter post or video for Women Onside and Football Coaches Australia platforms
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Complete an end-of-scholarship report
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Mentor one aspiring coach (informally, no formal time commitment)
Application Requirements.
Written Application (max 500 words) addressing:
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Your coaching background and current role (or aspiration to coach)
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Your professional development goals for the next 12 months
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How this scholarship will support your coaching journey
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How you will contribute to the women's coaching community
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Why Maria Berry's legacy inspires you
Supporting Documents:
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Brief CV (max 2 pages)
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Proposed budget showing how scholarship funds would be used
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One referee statement from a club official, coaching colleague, or football administrator (Optional)
Selection Criteria
Applications assessed on:
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Commitment to Community Coaching
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Demonstrated passion for community-level football
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Understanding of grassroots coaching environment
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Commitment to junior/youth development
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Professional Development Plan
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Clear goals and development pathway
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Realistic and achievable plan
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Value for money from scholarship investment
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Community Contribution
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Willingness to share knowledge
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Capacity to inspire and mentor others
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Commitment to return of service
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Alignment with Maria Berry's Values
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Breaking down barriers for women in football
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Leadership and advocacy potential
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Holistic approach to football participation
Special Considerations:
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Regional and remote applicants (recognising access barriers)
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Coaches from underrepresented communities