Australia’s first Female Leaders in Football Program with the support of FIFA and Australian Sports Commission Funding has concluded in Sydney following two days of workshops aimed at improving the management of women’s football at association level.
Ten select female Mentees from Member Federations around the country took part in the program, with each assigned a Mentor to assist in their development.
The initiative, which also allowed female football administrators the opportunity to improve their knowledge and build support networks, was heralded a success by the Head of Hyundai A-League Greg O'Rourke.
“It is important that all our future leaders regardless of gender are afforded opportunities to grow their careers and seek inspiration from others,” said O'Rourke.
“Today’s workshop is focused around Women in Football and continues the FFA 's journey to attract females to the employment and career opportunities within our game.
“The workshop reinforces forces for me that the path historically travelled by many women in building careers in Sport has not been easy however this is changing quickly and opportunities are presenting themselves in many areas of our game and the wider sporting environment, leading to extremely rewarding careers. Just as it should be.”
FIFA Consultant Ebru Koksal kicked off proceedings on day one with leadership, personal development and time management exercises.
Heather Brilliant, Chief Executive Office and Director of Morningstar Australasia and CFA Institute Board of Governors Board Member also spoke to the mentors and mentees on her leadership experiences.
Mentor Jo Setright, Head of Legal, Business Affairs and Integrity at the FFA said “It was very inspiring and exciting to see the talent, energy, ideas and drive of these up and coming female leaders - the future of the game is in very good hands.”
The program will continue until December with mentor-mentee fortnightly thirty minute catch ups.
Participants will take home renewed goals, knowledge and skills in addition to access to an expanded network of administrators from all levels within football.