Seven community football representatives from across Australia have been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to women’s football as part of the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program.
Established in 2021, the AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.
Arnhem Crows Football Club President Helen Lee has dedicated more than 15 years to growing football in Barunga, a remote indigenous community where she resides.
Helen’s passion for ensuring Indigenous people are represented in all aspects of life and in the community was the driving force behind the establishment of the first-ever full-time senior women's Indigenous community team for an NT football competition (the Big Rivers Football League). In their inaugural year of 2020, Helen’s work organising players and sponsors saw them win the Grand Final.
In 2021 Helen stepped in as the team manager to ensure the Indigenous women of the Barunga and surrounding communities had a sport they could look forward to and participate in. The women went on to win back-to-back premierships in 2021 a true reflection on Helen’s dedication and hard work.
Other participants in the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program include Katie Kennedy (NSW/ACT), Kate Guy (QLD), Julie Clifton (SA), Jodie Clifford (TAS), Ella Angarane (VIC) and Sarah Kerry (WA) who were selected by the AFL for their significant service to women’s football.
Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $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 2022 NAB AFLW Finals Series.
AFL General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program provided a great opportunity to thank and acknowledge the tireless work of community representatives who contribute to women’s football.
“We are proud to recognise each of our 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors and thank them for their service to our game,” Ms Livingstone said.
“The NAB AFLW competition is the result of many years of tireless work from dedicated people, like our 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors, who continue to grow the game at a grassroots and state level. Each of them should be extremely proud of their contribution.
“I’d like to thank Chemist Warehouse for their support of this initiative and for their continued support of the NAB AFLW competition,” Ms Livingstone said.
Chemist Warehouse Director, Mario Tascone said the powerhouse pharmacy retailer is proud to be supporting the second year of the program.
“Chemist Warehouse is thrilled to be supporting the 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program and acknowledge the tremendous work of this year’s community football representatives.
“Chemist Warehouse has supported the AFLW competition since its inception and we look forward to continuing to champion women’s football throughout the community and at an elite level.”