For the first time, a representative from each state and territory has been chosen to be involved in the NAB AFLW Finals after being selected as NAB AFLW Community Cup Ambassadors.
The inaugural NAB AFLW Community Cup Ambassador program was established to recognise members of the female football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women’s football.
AFLNT are thrilled to announce Southern Districts’ player, Captain and Under 18’s Assistant Coach Lateesha Jeffrey as the Northern Territory’s representative for the 2021 AFLW Community Cup Ambassador.
“Lateesha was a great candidate for the AFLW Community Cup Ambassador with her long list of accomplishments in Territory footy, including her involvement with not only the Northern Territory Football League but the Central Australian Football League also.” Female Community Football Manager, Emily Wastle-Hopkins explained.
Lateesha has dedicated over ten years of service to the game, playing over 150 games in the NTFL, has coached/assistant coached youth girls at both the local and state level, as well as herself playing and captaining the NT Thunder Women’s team.
“She is an admired individual in the Northern Territory footy community who deserves this recognition and will be a great ambassador for female football in the Territory.” Community Football Manager NT, Leigh Elder said.
Lateesha has captained two sides at two different NTFL clubs and over the previous two seasons she led her team to back-to-back Grand Finals, winning the second in a historical match for the Southern Districts FC. Most recently, Lateesha Vice Captained the very first NTFL Representative team against Glenelg FC.
“I felt extremely honoured and humbled to have even been considered for NT’s Community Cup Ambassador,” Lateesha said.
“I am not big on individual accomplishments but if being recognised for my contribution to women’s footy encourages girls to participate in playing or to further their footy, that’s a win for me.”
Lateesha is known to dedicate her time to women’s football in the Territory and is a fierce advocate for supporting Indigenous women in football.
“I want our girls to be on the big stage – we have so much to offer. I am so inspired by the individual pathways of Janet Baird, Danielle Ponter and Stephanie Williams to name a few. Going away for AFL is a big adjustment but the more experience the girls get in playing at an elite level is great for themselves, their family and community to see.”
Daughter of former AFL and NTFL player Russell Jeffrey, Lateesha says her Dad was her greatest influence and role model.
“Growing up and watching Dad play big games and holding onto his leg while watching him coach definitely helped me in footy. I’ve seen what the game has given him, and it’s really given me the same – great work ethic and other transferrable skills like leadership and discipline... I’m really looking forward to what footy has in store for me in the future.”
Each NAB AFLW Community Cup Ambassador receives $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice and the opportunity to be involved in the 2021 NAB AFLW Finals Series.