Melbourne Victory is proud to have one of its own appointed as an ambassador for the State Government’s ‘Change Our Game’ initiative.
Melbourne Victory General Manager Community & Government Relations, Stella Smith, joins ten other prominent women charged with assisting the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation level the playing field.
The news coming just days after the Minister for Sport, John Eren, announced $10 million of government funding to assist in the development of Melbourne Victory’s new Women’s and Youth Football Academy in Maribyrnong.
The initiative will not only see elite level sport benefit, with grants of up to $5,000 available to eligible grassroots clubs and community groups across Victoria to further improve opportunities for women and girls in sport and active recreation.
Influential leaders from a range of sports will assist the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation in developing a deeper connection with the broader industry to inspire and advocate for gender equality.
Melbourne Victory’s Stella Smith will be joined by Katie Brennan, Emma Carney, Kitty Chiller, Belinda Clark, Lauren Foote, Monique Hanley, Mel Jones, Tal Karp, Sharni Layton and Sarah Wall as Change Our Game ambassadors.
“It’s great to see women’s sport in Victoria starting to get the recognition and support it deserves,” said Ms Smith.
“Melbourne Victory is passionate about driving positive outcomes for women and girls in sport and we thank the Andrews Labor Government for their commitment.”
Minister for Sport, John Eren MP said, “we recognise the impact community sport has in shaping our society and the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program will support local sport and recreation clubs address gender equality at grassroots level.”
Dr. Bridie O’Donnell from the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation said, “the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants underpin our entire strategy. We know that first experiences often shape future involvement in sport and recreation for women and girls so it’s imperative we are able to create an experience that fosters a lifetime of rewarding and recognised involvement.”
Change Our Game Community Activation Grants open in the coming days and more information is available at www.sport.vic.gov.au .
