WFL Record 13.indd - Western Region Football League

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CIRCLE
Werribee Tigers Launch New Coterie Group
Football has often been seen by many as
a man’s sport, a place where men can go
down to the local footy club to hang out
with the boys, enjoy a couple of frothies and
leave the wife and kids at home.
Yet a few women from the Werribee Football
Club have decided to change things a bit, with
the introduction of the Werribee Tigers Women’s
Football Circle.
Chairperson Leonie Shaw, along with Michelle
Pearce, Shelly Ryan, Brenda Treasure and Sam
Edwards formed a committee and together
came up with the new initiative, being the fi rst
women’s only club both the Werribee Tigers and
league have seen.
The main reason for the establishment of the
Women’s Football Circle is to increase female
representation and support within the Werribee
Football Club.
Through the creation of the coterie, the ladies
aim to raise funds throughout the year by hosting
a series of events, where the proceeds will go
to help improve the Tiger’s club facilities, in
particularly the social rooms.
Their fi rst event was held on Saturday the 2nd
of July, where the Women’s Football Circle was
offi cially launched, holding a women’s only day
with a decadent High Tea in the Social Rooms
against the Casey Scorpions.
“The event sold out within two weeks and we
even had people on a waiting list. Today we
had just over 160 people,” committee member
Michelle Pearce said.
Ladies were greeted by a glass of champagne on
arrival and many women were impressed by the
decorations inspired by the club’s colours, giving
a very feminine touch to each table.
Hosted by Kevin Hillier, the day was fi lled with
much entertainment including Biscuit Readings
by Burt and Betty, pampering stations, a handball
competition, fashion show, jewelry stall, raffl es,
door prizes and gift bags.
The event had two guest speakers including
Australian Netballer and Commonwealth Silver
Medalist Renea Hallihan from the Melbourne
Vixens and former mayor and current Wyndham
Councilor Heather Marcus.
“The Women’s Circle is an excellent idea as
women look at things differently to men which
is an added benefi t, as they can come up with
fresh ideas in a normally male dominated fi eld.”
Ms Marcus said.
“We’ve had good feedback from people, which
is very rewarding. It’s great to raise funds and
be able to inject some female participation into
football clubs. Tiger’s President John Nicol even
commented saying that he had never seen this
many women fi ll the room!” Ms Pearce said.
Chairperson Leonie Shaw added that “We hope
that through our small idea, other football clubs
can develop their own women’s coteries and
hope that soon the VFL will follow suit, where
women from all football clubs across the league
can come together and share ideas, to benefi t
everyone associated with local football.”
The event raised in excess of $3,000 for the
day. For more information on the Women’s
Football Circle and their upcoming events taking
place later in the year or if you are interested
in sponsorship, please contact Leonie Shaw on
circle@werribeefc.com.au.
By Kirstie Fitzgerald
21 WRFL FOOTY RECORD