THE MORNINGTON Peninsula Nepean Football League is thanking its women for their ongoing support, passion and contribution with a ‘women in sport’ round on Community Football Weekend.
Celebrating its centenary year alongside the AFL’s 150 Years activities, the League will recognise women at an honorary luncheon on May 9 at the Cranbourne Golf Club.
Chief executive of the MPNFL Steve Pallas said many women spent countless hours volunteering for the League, often without any recognition.
“The work that the women volunteers do that just gets taken for granted is so extraordinary, and this was our way of saying thank you,” Pallas said.
The 300-seat event, of which 100 tickets will be donated to clubs, will highlight some of the unique contributions made to the League by women. Featured guest speakers will include Collingwood board member Sally Capp, Netball Australia CEO Kate Palmer, and Nanette Malthouse, wife of Magpies coach Mick.
Pallas said the event was as much an expression of gratitude as recognition.
“It’s our way of saying to the clubs: ‘Here’s a ticket, give them to the most deserving women and we do not take you for granted. We think the work that you do and the contribution that you make is just outstanding, and it’s just such a vital part of community football’.”
AFL players who have come out of the MPNFL will return to their grassroots to take part in a player auction, raising money for the National Breast Cancer Association.
The League is encouraging its clubs to support the idea and run their own events to thank women throughout the year.
“The real power is when we get 32 football clubs and 11 netball clubs doing something specifically to thank all the women in their club. That’s where the power comes from,” Pallas said.
He noted that a major strategic objective was to align netball and football clubs across the League's three competitions as a means of increasing community involvement.
“If you involve your women and create an environment they want to be a part of - and they can bring the kids into it as well - then people are more likely to stay at the clubrooms,” he said.
“They’re more likely to have a different source of volunteers, they’re more likely to then bring friends and grandparents and all that sort of stuff into the club environment.
“To transition a footy club from a male-dominated place to be reflective of the community, really, you need women to do that.
“I think we’re now all starting to understand that.”
Several major events are planned for the League’s centenary and Australian Football 150 Years. Pallas said the MPNFL wanted activities such as the women’s round, Hall of Fame and AFL Team of the Century established this year to become part of its regular season.
