Today marks 2023 International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Women make a tremendous contribution at all levels of our football club and the ‘Advancement of Women’ is a key pillar of our Diversity Action Plan (DAP).
The Sydney Swans are proud of our existing gender diversity and committed to creating even greater opportunities for women, as well as developing pathways to help female staff and players reach their aspirations.
Today we profile some of our fantastic staff who work across various facets of the football club.
Bronwyn Gulden
Role: AFLW Development/Backline Coach / QBE Sydney Swans Academy Girls U16 Coach
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
Growing up in Victoria, I have always loved footy and that love was passed down to my children who starting playing in Auskick, leading me to volunteer coaching. My passion for teaching the game and helping to drive the development of females in AFL has led me to this current pathway.
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
The pure love of the game and the ability to play a small part in the club’s female programs. To have the resources that are available to young players with aspirations to play at the highest level, as well as those already in the AFLW squad, and play a role in their development and enjoyment of their footy journey is extremely fulfilling.
Why have you have chosen your current career path?
I feel as though this career path chose me, through opportunities that have presented themselves and amazing mentors and people who have believed in me. Being able to pursue the dream of going from volunteer community coach to a role at the elite level, within the most incredible club, is not something I would have deemed attainable but the enjoyment and satisfaction continue to grow and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else now.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way? Slightly cliché and an overused statement but, continue to pursue your goals whatever they may be. Create your own opportunities through hard work and commitment and don’t allow others to tell you that ‘you can’t do it’! I’ve also learnt that finding what you are dedicated and passionate about may take some time and the journey to finding that can be varied and extensive but all of life’s experiences will help when you do find your perfect role.
Elise Anderson
Role: Dietitian
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
I did an internship at the Swans with the Physio and Medical department in 2007 looking at rehab data for sports science and spent some time during that with Michelle Cort who was the very inspiring dietitian here at the time. I enjoyed the environment and pace of the work.
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
As most will probably tell you I am here for the athletes, seeing them and helping in small ways for them to achieve their goals keeps me going. Winning vibes help too!
Why have you have chosen your current career path?
When I first graduated sports science there weren’t many jobs for female allied health workers in men’s sport, aside from doctors and physios so I sort of fell into dietetics as a career path to professional sport. Sport and particularly women’s sport has come a very long way since but at the time it was hard to see a career path outside of physio and dietetics.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way?
Sport is an incredibly active and emotional career path, you become very invested and ride all the highs and the lows. It’s not always winning songs and Gatorade showers!
Nikki Atkins
Role: Corporate Partnerships Manager
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
I’ve always loved sport and particularly AFL so when the opportunity came up to work in this great game I couldn’t resist. The interest came from my father, he is a rugby league man at heart however when his beloved North Sydney Bears went under, he couldn’t bring himself to follow any other NRL team so started to watch AFL and barrack for the Sydney Swans. My sister and I grew up watching it on the TV and going to games, football connected us as a family.
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
I think it’s the joy and positive impact that sport can have on people that keeps me going.
Why have you have chosen your current career path?
Throughout university I saw opportunities for women to make a positive impact in the sporting industry. I gained valuable insight through prominent female peers which shaped my education and understanding of a once tightly held male dominated industry. I’ve chosen this career path to explore these opportunities and to fulfill my love of sport.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you learn from them! Always say yes to opportunities, you never know where it could lead. Women are a prominent figure in the sporting industry. Gender equality is shaping the cultural shift in the industry allowing for opportunities for all women in sport.
Katherine Tapscott
Role: Medical Coordinator, Head Trainer and Lead Massage
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
Sport has always been my passion, and growing up with AFL in country South Australia meant that football became a massive part of my life. When I was growing up, my Gran told me to combine my passion with my work, and that’s what I’ve strived to do.
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
I am super grateful for the role that I have, and for having the opportunity to do what I love. The Sydney Swans are an amazing, supportive club to work for and have become a second family to me. This continually drives me to come to work everyday and do my job at the highest level that I can to support not only my team, but the club as a whole.
Why have you have chosen your current career path?
When I was growing up, my Gran always told me to combine my passion with my work, and that’s what I’ve strived to do the whole way from school to where I am today.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way?
Find a good mentor, surround yourself with a supportive team, continually grow, and never be afraid to reach out.
Natalie Fagg
Role: Executive General Manager – Consumer and Product
Other roles held at the club: Too many to list, I think I’ve had about seven or eight different roles since I’ve been at the club – all focused on members, fans and future fans.
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
I love sport and I’m passionate about the impact it has on peoples lives. Working at the Sydney Swans was my third different sporting club and code. And I wasn’t good enough to play, so those that can’t - work behind the scenes!
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
I have member seats in the Brewongle Concourse at the SCG where I sit with friends and family. The best moments of my work week are often in those seats, in the moments after the final siren goes when I watch other members and fans share in victory or occasionally defeat. It’s the moments where strangers console the kid who is overwhelmed with emotion after a tough loss or the enthusiastic singing of the club song within a chorus of 35,000 others all connected by footy. Those moments, I’ve played a small part in creating and that’s what drives my passion. I also love doing great work, with great people here at the club.
Why have you have chosen your current career path?
I thrive in a fast paced, quick turnaround environment that is always evolving and striving for improvement. I’m energised by change and consistent learning and I’ve always found that was something that my employers really valued working in professional sports clubs.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way?
Many years ago, I said ‘yes’ to come in for a job interview late one afternoon at the SCG, after a full day’s work with less than 2 hours’ notice and now I work at the Sydney Swans. Say ‘yes’ to things that might push you beyond your comfort zone.
Heather Ward
Role: People Business Partner
Other roles you've had at the club: People & Culture Coordinator
How did you get involved and interested in working in football?
From a young age I was a Swans supporter and admired the team that surrounded the playing group on match days (coaching and medical staff). When thinking of a career in sport, at the time I didn’t think of the team that is behind the scenes.
It wasn’t until I completed my Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources and International Business that I explored the opportunities that aligned to my passion for sport. I then understood that there is much more to sport than what meets the eyes and that there are many commercial career opportunities in sport.
Why do you continue to do what you do and what gives you the drive and passion for your current role?
I have a passion for the club and its people. I believe the People and Culture team play an important role in creating an environment and culture where people can do their best work and thrive within their role. What gives me drive is seeing others succeed and being able to assist them on that journey.
Advice for young women wanting to work in sport and any lessons you have learned along the way?
Take the opportunities and run with them as they come. Your development is in your own hands with support from those around you – own it!
