Weston Molonglo Football Club’s Donna O’Brien was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contribution to Football in the Canberra region on the Australia Day long weekend.

O’Brien is a Weston Creek Soccer Club life member, a previous President and Executive Committee member, former Premier League player, a coach of both Women’s & Junior teams and a Capital Football Hall of Fame member.

O’Brien started playing Football at 14 in Women’s competitions with no Junior Girls football around, and has since moved into coaching and training including completing her C-Licence certificate.

Coming from a non-Football family, O’Brien mixed it with the boys at primary school to get her skills up.

During year seven, O’Brien and a friend Diane headed to Weston Creek to begin playing and her footballing career blossomed from there, albeit with two ACL ruptures during a 13-year playing stint at an elite level.

Speaking to The Women’s Game, O’Brien said the award took her by surprise.

“I felt like i already got every award I could have in soccer,” she said.

“I’m a bit chuffed really, it wasn’t on my radar at all.”

To get involved in any aspect of Football, head to the Play Football website and find a club to register today!