Sport
3 October, 2026
Awards galore at Tigers soccer club
THE Innisfail Tigers Soccer Club capped off a successful season with a lively end‑of‑year break‑up and awards presentation at Goondi Bend Sporting Complex, celebrating its players, volunteers and long‑serving members after another year of growth on and off the field.
The club fielded around 80 junior players across three under-6/7 teams, four under-8/9 teams, two under-10/11/12 teams and the Squirts program.
A wide network of local businesses supported the Tigers through shirt and strip sponsorships, helping the club update playing uniforms and refresh its honour board.
Club vice-president Chris Wray said the season’s success came down to teamwork behind the scenes.
“The club had a successful season due to its volunteers putting in a huge effort and the coaches for putting their hand up to help grow the players’ skills and knowledge,” he said.
The Tigers expanded their reach this year by establishing a Babinda team.
Wray said the club was already planning for next season.
“We’ll be looking for coaches and committee members for 2027, so please reach out if interested. Our recent raffle was also a success and we especially want to thank all the businesses who donated.”
A highlight of the presentation was the awarding of life membership to three long‑serving contributors: Annette Lyons, former secretary (2013-2017), Lexie Shorney, the club’s registrar who ensures players are correctly nominated for carnivals and Evan Coppin, recognised for years of coaching and supporting new executives.
The club also presented its major annual trophies.
The Loth Family Trophy, awarded to the most promising under-10/11 player, went to Teodoro Nucifora.
The Steven Corica Trophy, named after the former Tigers junior who went on to play for Queensland, Australia and has coached Sydney FC, Auckland FC and currently coaches the Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos, was awarded to Ollie Haren.
The Pam Anderson Memorial Shield for outstanding sportsmanship was presented to Isaya and Masaya Kubota.
The club person of the year award went to Amy Wray for her exceptional contribution to club operations.
Coaches’ awards were presented across all junior age groups, recognising players for effort, improvement and commitment throughout the season.
Award winners
Under-6/7 coaches awards: Tilly Buckton and Willow (team 1). Harvey (team 2), Ruby Jackson (team 3)
Under-8/9 coaches awards: Sebastian and Kyden Purcell (team 1), Oliver and Rylan Bettini (team 2), Austin Mizzi and Paige (team 3), Mia Bennett and Jack Hanson (team 4)
Under-10/11/12 coaches awards: Michael-John and Rocco Cielo (team 1), Blake Walton and Cooper (team 2)
Special awards
Pam Anderson Memorial Shield (sportsmanship): Isaya and Masaya Kubota.
Loth Family Trophy (Under-10/11 most promising): Teodoro Nucifora
Steven Corica Trophy (under-10/11 most promising): Ollie Haren
Club person of the year: Amy Wray.