Football Victoria congratulates Maria Berry on her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Established as part of the celebrations of Victoria's Centenary of Federation, the Victorian Honour Roll of Women celebrates the outstanding contributions made by women from all walks of life and acknowledges the many ways in which they have made a lasting impact to our state.
Since 2001, over 600 women have been recognised for their incredible efforts in Victoria, Australia and beyond. They each represent the courage and determination of women across Victoria using their unique skills, experiences and insights to forge a brighter path for all women.
Maria Berry has been a trailblazer in women's football for over 40 years and is a long-time participant in football as a coach, administrator and fan since beginning as a player in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne in 1979.
Since the 1970s, Maria has devoted countless hours to ensure girls and women have equitable access and opportunities to play football. She has been an advocate for change within the governance structure of Football Victoria (FV) and Football Federation Australia (F
FA).
Maria has coached women and girls football teams for over 20 years at several community clubs and is a Life Member at Melbourne University Soccer Club. Maria was Team Manager and Head of Delegation for several Matildas and Young Matildas overseas tours and had the highlight experience of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games as the liaison manager for the gold medal winning Norway women’s football team.
In her professional role, Maria has worked at a wide range of organisations in the government sector and as a management consultant for a leading international firm. Maria has also worked professionally in sports administration in football and gymnastics as well as holding a diversity of volunteer roles.
Today, Maria is an advocate for women's football as the Chair of Women Onside and as Chair of the FV Women's Standing Committee. Maria was also previously a Director of the former Victorian Soccer Federation, Victorian Women’s Soccer Association and Women’s Soccer Australia.
