Lauren Wood – WEFL
Last week marked the 10th anniversary of the Women of the EFL, and it was certainly celebrated in style.
Hosted by Montrose Football Club, more than 100 women – plus a few “token blokes” – from across the Eastern Football League gathered to mark a decade of the group that aims to provide women involved in the league with a platform to socialise, network and share ideas and experiences.
Over the years, the Women of the EFL have enjoyed some fantastic guest speakers, and this evening was certainly no exception. Former EFL Media Manager Anthony Stanguts returned to host – just as he did at the group’s first function at East Burwood all those years ago – and was joined by former EFL CEO Craig Braddy and Chris Dowling and Julie Duckworth, who helped start the group when they were presidents of Montrose and Mooroolbark respectively and gave us their account on how the group started, why, and the challenges faced in the early years, including being presented with ties at the EFL Presidents dinner!
Richmond Football Club president Peggy O’Neal also joined us, and as the AFL’s first female president, and had the room captivated with her story of how a sport-loving small-town girl from the US has risen to lead one of Melbourne’s biggest and oldest clubs. Her insight into being a woman in the “boys club” of AFL club presidents was incredible, as was her wit.
A truly relatable and inspiring woman, with all attendees so glad they ventured out into the rain to Montrose to hear her speak.
Thanks must go to Montrose Football Club for hosting the evening, complete with players to serve as wait staff for the night, William Angliss event students and SpringLight Events who ensured the event ran smoothly, Diamond Blue Catering, Nine News and Jan Hartney at Vibromania for providing raffle prizes, Kirra and Kate at the EFL and to all who attended. Some 62 women hold executive positions in senior and junior EFL clubs this year, and there are countless more involved across the league.
We hope to see you all at our next function at Chirnside Park on July 15.
Chairwoman Jo Hart-Parker again put in a huge effort to ensure this night happened, and has worked tirelessly on making sure the Women of the EFL remains a fixture of the league and continues to grow. Many thanks to Jo and her committee for all of their work.
Bring on the next 10!