More money for female coaches

It’s time ... Peta Searle says the more help women can get to break into the sports industry the better. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia
BUDDING female sports coaches will be eligible for taxpayer funded grants, under a new Federal Government initiative to get more women into senior sports administration roles.
The Abbott Government will announce on Monday it will provide $400,000 in grants to women looking to rise up the ranks of Australia’s male-dominated sports industries.
And the initiative has already won support from the AFL’s first female coach, Peta Searle.
Ms Searle, who last week won the AFL’s woman of the year award, said she hoped the money would make it easier for Australia’s next high-profile female sports coach.
The St Kilda Football Club assistant coach and single mum told News Corp that, earlier in her career, financial concerns had forced her to consider abandoning her coaching aspirations.
“If this means it is easier for other people, then it is a fantastic achievement,” Ms Searle said.
Groundbreaker ... St Kilda FC’s development coach Peta Searle nearly abandoned her career for lack of funds. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia
The program will enable aspiring female sports coaches, officials, and administrators to apply for grants of up to $5000 to undertake sports leadership training.
Organisations that are seen to be taking steps to help promote women in leadership roles in sport will also be able to apply for $10,000 grants.
Assistant Minister for Women Michaelia Cash said, “this investment will not only benefit the recipients – it will assist in breaking down the real and perceived barriers to getting more women into leadership positions in sport.”
Senator Cash said the money would ensure “that sport leadership becomes more reflective of the gender balance in Australian society today.”
Ms Searle said it was important all organisations, including sports teams, represent the diversity that exists in society.
“I think it is extremely important, you look at society and who influences society – and without a doubt in Melbourne AFL influences society – so the AFL and the clubs have a responsibility to shape not only their own football club’s values, but what we want to hold as values in society,” she said.

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