Sale United Football Club’s Madelaine Breakspear
has been officially recognised as a football legend, recently becoming the final Hall of Fame Life Member (Legend Status) of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League (LVSL) as the league transitions into Football Victoria Latrobe Valley.
The announcement came at the recent LVSL season launch, where outgoing league president Allan Roberts presented the honour, praising Ms Breakspear’s immense contribution to football in Gippsland and across Victoria.
“Madelaine has been a trailblazer and a pioneer for the sport in the Latrobe Valley and beyond,” Roberts said.
Breakspear’s nomination was supported by 20 pages of documentation, a testament to her outstanding
dedication and impact on the game.
Her football journey began at just four years old. For many years, she was the only female in her team — a challenge she embraced with determination. Her skill and confidence grew rapidly, culminating in her first league championship with the Sale City under 10 team. By the age of 10, she had been selected for the Victorian Country under 12 team, competing in the Victorian
Soccer Federation State Championships in 2002, where her team claimed victory.
Over the years, Breakspear has built a decorated playing career across regional, metropolitan, and representative levels, while giving back to the sport through coaching, mentoring, and community engagement, helping to shape the next generation of players.
With her induction, she becomes the 13th and final LVSL Life Member Legend, cementing her legacy
in Gippsland football.
Currently head coach of Sale United’s women’s team, Breakspear has led her squad to remarkable success, including back-to-back league championships in 2023 and 2024, along with multiple cup victories. At representative level, she coaches the LVSL under-18 girls squad, which has reached the finals of the Victorian Country Championships multiple times.
Her achievements extend beyond the pitch. Breakspear
is recognised for fostering an inclusive and welcoming team culture, encouraging female participation at all levels, and organising mentorship opportunities during Female Football Week. She also collaborates with other coaches to enhance training programs and community engagement initiatives.
