AFL Tasmania’s newest umpiring scholarship recipients are on a path to grow the game for women and girls.
The Women in Umpiring Scholarships – a first for Tasmania – offer opportunities for participants to progress as leaders in the Tasmanian football landscape, while supporting new and emerging women and girls to further explore umpiring.
As part of the scholarship, AFL Tasmania has provided a funding grant to three recipients – one in the state’s South, North and North West – to the value of $2,000 each, in addition to providing Professional Development.
Southern scholarship recipient Lynette Genders – a 10-year TFUA umpire – said she aims to “provide support and guidance to umpires looking to better themselves for the good of the game”.
“I want to be able to give them the tools, knowledge and support to take the next step in the umpiring journey so that they can achieve their dreams,” she said.
“With the announcement of the AFL Team for Tasmania, together with a forecast increase in participation of football I would love to see an increase in umpiring numbers, especially for women.
“The future is going to be an exciting time and I am thrilled to be a part of it. “
North West scholarship recipient Kahla Summers said she hopes to bring more females to the umpiring program and share the positive experiences she has had since joining.
“I believe it is a club that someone can fit into and can also be helpful for juniors looking to get more exposure and understanding of the game,” she said.
“I want to help increase female numbers on the Coast and make it more widely known what is on offer and available for those who want to umpire. I’m keen to share experiences with the wider community so they understand the positive impacts it can have.”
Northern scholarship recipient Izzy Gower said the growth of female football was undeniable.
“I definitely feel like female football is growing and there is a larger area of support for women,” she said.
“Female football has certainly come a long way and it’s in a pretty decent position. But I feel like there is most definitely a lot of room for growth and improvement.
She said she saw the opportunity for personal growth through AFL Tasmania’s Women in Umpiring Scholarship offering.
“I decided to apply because it would be a great opportunity for me to grow not only my umpiring skills alone but also my leadership and communication skills.
“I was drawn to it as it was advertising for women in umpiring and that is something I would love to see more in the near future, and it would be ever better to get to be a part of that journey.”
AFL Tasmania Women and Girls Lead Amy Bailey said AFL Tasmania is invested in supporting diverse leadership in umpiring across the state.
“This is a first for Tassie and a really exciting opportunity for women in umpiring to become leaders in the industry,” she said.
“Scholarship recipients will become champions and role models for young women looking at getting into umpiring, while gaining unique experiences and professional development opportunities throughout the year.
“Our hope is that through this program, and others we’re offering in 2024, that we’re able to attract more women and girls into umpiring, to retain them and to create really positive experiences for them while taking up umpiring.”
AFL Tasmania currently has three exciting Umpire Your Way programs in the state’s North, South and North West, offering introductory umpiring sessions for women and girls.
Register for a program in your area here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/AFLTasmania/UmpireYourWayApplicationForm