Online forum will help build female-friendly sports clubs
Published on 01 June 2021
Frankston City Council will host an online forum for those interested in removing barriers to female participation in local sporting clubs.
Council is inviting players, potential players, sports club volunteers and parents to register for the forum – being held from 8am to 9.30am on 2 June – in order to share their experiences and workshop ideas to create welcoming club cultures.
Those who participate will also hear from guest speaker Tal Karp, a former Olympian and Matilda, who is an ambassador for Change Our Game.
The forum is one of two workshops being held in June, as part of Council’s effort to increase opportunities for those who identify as female to be involved in every aspect of local sporting clubs.
It has moved online as Council continues to progress important initiatives during the lockdown.
South Ward Cr Claire Harvey said Council’s extensive building and renewal of sports pavilions to include female-friendly amenities is just one step toward improving access, but more could be done.
“Having appropriate change rooms and suitable spaces, including umpires rooms, goes a long way toward making someone feel comfortable, but we also know that an inclusive environment within a club is needed to make a real difference as well,” Cr Harvey said.
A recent survey of sporting clubs within the municipality showed that those who identify as female make up only 39 per cent of participants.
Cr Harvey said: “When you think of all the benefits that come with staying active, playing sport and being connected to your community, that number is too low.
“So we need to better understand the barriers for girls and women in joining clubs and to discuss solutions with them that can be put into practice easily.
“The workshops will focus on developing cultures that are welcoming and inclusive, so that girls and young women who want to play any sport – and be a part of the club in any capacity – can sign up without hesitation,” Cr Harvey said.
The second workshop, to be held on 16 June, is intended for club staff and committee members and will include a local club case study.
Participants will look at elements that might prevent females from playing and taking on leadership roles within clubs, and the benefits of increasing female membership.
Umpire Chelsea Roffey, the first and only woman to have officiated in an AFL Grand Final, will be a guest speaker at this workshop.
To register for the 2 June online forum, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/changing-club-culture-gender-inclusive-workshop-1-tickets-152625427763