Elaine Watson OAM

Elaine Watson was a pioneer of women’s soccer in Australia, beginning her career as a team manager in 1964. During these early years Watson was involved as a referee and coach, gaining valuable administrative skills whilst serving in national and state positions of treasurer, finance director, manager and tour leader. In 1975 she became the foundation president of the Queensland Women’s Association, later serving as national president and then Oceania president for eight years. Watson was the manager of the first Australian team to attend the Women’s 1978 World Invitational Tournament in Taiwan. She served as tour leader for the first Oceania Cup and tour leader for the 1988 pilot World Cup in China. Watson was the first person to be awarded life membership of the Australian Women’s Soccer Association. She received the Award of Merit from the Confederation of Sport and in 1993 was presented with the Order of Australia Medal for services to women’s soccer.