At Capital Football’s Annual General Meeting on 14 May this year, Andrea and Ian Hotchkiss received recognition for their exceptional, sustained and influential impact on football in the ACT over many decades. 

Individually and together, their service reflects outstanding commitment, influence and integrity consistent with the Capital Football Life Membership standards, with contributions across refereeing, administration, development, mentorship and the advancement of women’s football in the region. 

Capital Football proudly offers immense gratitude to Andrea and Ian for the remarkable service they have given to the game. 

 

Andrea Hotchkiss 

Andrea has made a foundational and transformative contribution to football in the ACT since 1978, particularly in expanding opportunities for women and girls.  

She founded the ACT Women’s Soccer Association, and played a crucial role in establishing the governance structures, pathways and visibility necessary for the sustained growth of women’s football in the territory, at a time when participation opportunities were limited. 

Andrea was also among the first qualified female referees in Canberra and has been a longstanding advocate and mentor for women in refereeing, coaching and administration. 

Her leadership within and beyond football saw Andrea named ACT Senior Woman of the Year in 2017, an accolade that reflects the breadth and significance of her service. 

 

Ian Hotchkiss 

Ian has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to football across the ACT and surrounding region for nearly 50 years, as a referee, mentor, administrator and in volunteer leadership positions.  

He began as a referee in 1977 and continued officiating matches up until 2025, while also contributing elsewhere to roles on the ACT Women’s Soccer Association committee, the Capital Football Disciplinary Panel, and at the Kanga Cup, where he served as a Referee Coordinator and as a member of the technical committee. 

Across these roles, Ian has been instrumental in referee development and retention, and took on the role of Belsouth Referee Coordinator for around 30 years. 

His many decades of mentoring, most notably through junior referee development, has supported generations of match officials and strengthened the officiating pathway.  

His service as a Level 3 Referee Assessor, alongside consistent on-ground guidance, reflects a deep and enduring commitment to quality, integrity and sustainability of football in the region.