AFL Queensland is calling for nominations for the “Female in Football Award” to coincide with the AFL’s Women’s’ Week.
AFL Queensland is calling for nominations for the “Female in Football Award” to coincide with the AFL’s Women’s’ Week.
AFL Women’s Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the role females play at all levels of Australian football, from participation to administration, volunteering and supporting.
AFL clubs, associations and individuals from around the State are encouraged to nominate a deserving person to perhaps follow in the footsteps of 2010 winner Ellen McConochie from Coolaroo Football Club on the Darling Downs.
AFLQ chief executive Richard Griffiths says women play an invaluable role in the AFL game.
“AFL Queensland values enormously the contribution that females make to our game, whether it be the NAB AFL Auskick co-ordinators, school ambassadors, umpires, coaches, canteen conveners, administrators, committee members or loyal fans,” he said.
“The award, which was initiated in 2010, will be appropriate recognition of not just the winner, but all the nominees who do such much.”
The overall winner will have demonstrated a significant contribution to Australian Football in Queensland.
She will have made a strong commitment to the support and advancement of the code in this state, displayed a passion for the game, and also shown a sense of humour and fair play.
The Award will be judged by a high profile panel, including AFL Queensland Female Football Ambassador and 612ABC Brisbane drive-time presenter, Kelly Higgins-Devine.
The winner will receive two tickets to attend a 2012 Brisbane Lions or Gold Coast Suns home game, watching the game from VIP seats, with all-inclusive hospitality, plus a night’s accommodation.
Nominations close on 30 September 2011 and the winner will be announced by AFL Queensland in November.
Ellen McConochie was nominated last year by AFL Darling Downs vice-president Larry Hueston.
He write how Ellen, an avid Collingwood supporter, was very keen to introduce her two young sons to the game, and was drawn to the Coolaroo FC, the first club founded on the Downs, in 1977.
Ellen began her long history of volunteer work in the canteen and continues to assist the game today.
“Ellen has been a tireless worker for the club over the years, from her early days in the canteen and selling raffle tickets in the local pub to managing the Senior A grade team for the last 23 years,” Hueston wrote.
“Ellen has held several executive positions on the management committee of Coolaroo Football club and is currently the 2010 club Secretary.
“In 1998 the Club nearly folded, Ellen was among a group of dedicated people who were instrumental in the clubs revival. Her passion for the game and loyalty to the club is quite enormous.
“And all the while she still continuing to wash the senior jumpers, and donate the BOG trophy every week.”
Ellen was awarded Life Membership in 1991, with her two sons receiving the same honor in 1994.
She also spent 10 serving as either Secretary or Treasurer of the previously named South Queensland Australian Football Association committee, and a further 15 years as an executive member of the Darling Downs AFL.
In 2000 she was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for services to AFL.
Please click on the link below to download the nomination form and tell AFLQ about the outstanding female that you know who is involved in our game.
