Today, Friday, March 8 marks 2019 International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter and Sydney Swans players and staff have teamed up in a video to spread this message as part of the global celebration of women.
Women make a tremendous contribution at all levels of our football club and the ‘Advancement of Women’ is a key pillar in the Club’s Diversity Action Plan (DAP).
The Club is proud of the organisation’s existing gender diversity but is also committed to creating even greater opportunities for women and developing pathways to help female staff reach their aspirations.
The Club is incredibly proud to have four females part of the seven person Executive Management Team (57%) and in the commercial operations side of the Club, 54% of the staff are female.
Natalie Fagg, Head of Customer and Community said she and all the women on the executive team have been fortunate to have had incredible support around them during their time at the Club.
“Two of us have been promoted from within which hopefully shows all women working here that there are pathways available to continue their careers here at the Club if that’s what they want to do,” Fagg said.
“The Executive team now has a responsibility to provide that same support that we have enjoyed to all women in our commercial team establishing their careers.
“Our lived experience is I hope something that continues to add value to our Club’s community whether it’s the representation in staff, implementation of our Diversity Action Plan or in the creation of Footy Family allowing fans to create bespoke family membership packages which meet the needs of modern families.”
Head of Customer and Community Natalie Fagg (second left) at the L@SS Brunch.
Females also hold down key roles in our Football Department.
One of those roles is filled by Elise Anderson who is the Club’s dietician who relishes the challenge of being immersed in the team environment.
In her role, Anderson plays a major role in making sure our players are fuelled for performance, day in, day out.
“There’s something satisfying and rewarding about having an influence on our players’ performances’, Anderson said.
Elise Anderson chats with Tom McCartin at training.
The Club is also thriving with talented young girls who are donning the red and white in their hundreds as part of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Youth Pathway Program.
With a new facility and an AFLW side part of future plans for the Club, the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Youth Pathway Program is in its second year, nurturing and developing 200 young girls whose dream is to play AFLW in Swans colours.
Academy General Manager Chris Smith said the opportunity for young talented girls to learn, develop and compete within the Swans Academy is the most critical and rewarding thing to happen in our short history.
“I'm constantly overwhelmed by their focus, spirit and willingness to learn, as well as their remarkable athleticism and competitive nature,” Smith said.
The future looks bright with plenty of talented girls in our QBE Sydney Swans Youth Girls Program.
The Sydney Swans female supporter base is also an incredibly important aspect of our football Club with our official women’s supporter group L@SS (L@dies at Sydney Swans) is continually growing with passionate female members.
L@SS member Emma Pope, who has been a Swans fan since birth, said she cherishes being part of a group of like-minded females who can support all aspects of the Club.
“It’s really important to have a strong group of women behind the Club and the team”, Pope said.
Fellow L@SS member Lisa Morrison used to attend Swans games solo until she met up with other members through L@SS and has now close friends who attend Swans games together in Sydney and interstate.
“Our motto is Triple F: Footy Fun and Friendship!” Morrison said.
The Club is always welcoming new ladies to join the group. Click here if you would like to get involved.
Friendship, fun and footy is what L@SS is all about!
