FREMANTLE’S Samantha Kerr has been awarded the Young Australian of the Year award in Canberra this evening.
The soccer superstar represented Australia at age 15 in the Australian women’s soccer team, the Matildas, after making the switch from Aussie Rules football in East Fremantle.
Kerr won the West Australian Young Australian of the Year in November 2017, and said at the time she was surprised to be nominated.
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READ NOW“I only thought these awards were for people that have saved lives or changed the world. It was pretty special,” she said.
“I feel very lucky to be nominated next to people who are doing such great things in the community.”
Kerr said 2017 had been a great year for women’s sport, especially football.
“To be a part of such a great movement and for young girls to grow up with female role models is something no matter if I win or not, I’m very proud of.”
The footballer had a stellar year last year with 53 caps to her name and will be part of the Matildas’ charge towards the Women’s Asian Cup 2018 and the World Cup in the following year in France.
Kerr received her award alongside Australian of the Year, quantum physics Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons.
National Australian Day council chair, Danielle Roche congratulated the recipients and said the winners were breaking down barriers in the community.
“They are a truly extraordinary group of people, and through their success, they remind us we all have something to contribute,” she said.