Vanessa Loverso accepts the BASL Female Volunteer of the Year award.
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Contributed
Shepparton United Soccer Club secretary Vanessa Loverso admitted to a touch of surprise to receiving the Volunteer of the Year award at the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League’s Female Football Week.
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Loverso accepted the accolade during the marquee women’s game day at Epsom Huntly Reserve and looking at the more than two-decade contribution to the mighty blue, it’s difficult to dispute the recognition.
“I was surprised I was nominated in the first place, but more surprised to have won it,” Loverso said.
“It’s nice to be recognised for the work I’ve done over many years, particularly with women’s soccer.
“It’s good to be recognised for some of the work you put in because sometimes you just do it and don’t expect any.
“To be recognised is a privilege.”
When it comes to Loverso, her contribution stems from “a lot of family history” and faultless dedication, especially when it comes to Shepparton United’s women and girls program and years spent on the committee.
She was a key member of United’s early foray into women’s soccer, debuting in 2002 when the club competed in North Eastern Soccer League, a dominant force that picked up eight titles between 2004 and 2013 before Loverso hung up the boots.
That was until a comeback after 10 years off the pitch in 2023, although a calf injury sustained last season put an end to that.
Vanessa Loverso’s comeback, 10 years in the making.
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Megan Fisher
Despite being a mainstay behind the scenes since joining the club, Loverso didn’t accept an official position until 2009 when she became secretary.
With only a year or so break since then, she has been one of the club’s most ardent administrators.
And since those early days of the women’s team’s inception, the club has also grown to add another four girls sides in the junior competition, a fact warmly received by the 2025 BASL award recipient.
“I’m a real advocate for it; I started playing when it was introduced in this area,” Loverso said.
“I played back when it was the NESL and it’s really good to see how big it’s grown.
“This year I think we’re fielding 17 teams within the whole club, which is awesome, as well as five girls teams — It’s the biggest we’ve been in terms of female participation.
“We’ve been involved in the Club Changer Program which focuses on female participation. We're a two-star in that which is a great achievement for us.
“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff happening there in terms of gaining interest from females and getting to training and all that sort of stuff.”
Loverso’s father and brother threw the boots on for Shepparton United and husband Greg was also a player.
Now she is watching on as her three daughters Sarah, Olivia and Ella team up for the first time together this season in what is a proud continuance of the family legacy.
