The Brisbane Lions today launched “Women of the Pride”, as a host of high-profile Queensland women led a rallying call to get behind the Club.
Christie Leppitsch and Lions Director Sarah Kelly unveiled the new group at The Gabba alongside Captain Tom Rockliff and his mum Jill, supported by 15 of the state’s leading women from sport, business and media to mark International Women’s Day (March 8).
They included Australian Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds Captain Laura Geitz; Olympic and World Champion swimmer Mel Wright; Channel 7’s Kay McGrath; B105’s Abby Coleman; leading businesswomen Maxine Horne and Kath Rose; and representatives from the Club including player and coach partners, administrative staff, long-term members, sponsors, as well as some of the State’s leading female players and AFLQ staff.
Women Of The Pride’s Mission Statement is: “A group of women with a shared passion for the Brisbane Lions working to promote the sporting and financial interests of the Club in a social environment”, and the aims of the group are:
- To grow membership and engage female members;
- To fundraise for the club and our charitable partners;
- To provide a legitimate corporate networking option for local professional women;
- To engage and support players' partners and parents;
- To support player welfare.
A range of Women of the Pride functions will be held during the 2015 season, including a Gala Lunch on Thursday, May 28; a Match Day Cocktail Function on Sunday, July 12, when then Sydney Swans visit the Gabba; and a Melbourne Pre-Match Function at the MCG on Sunday, July 19, for the match against the Demons.
Christie Leppitsch said Women of the Pride would fill a much-needed role within the Lions family.
“The role women play in football is no secret – we are at the heart of every Club,’’ she said. “Women of the Pride will provide all those ladies with a shared passion for the Lions with a way to work together for the good of the Club, and to introduce a whole new wave of women to our great game.”
Lions Director Sarah Kelly, Head of University Of Queensland’s MBA Program, said Women of the Pride would provide a range of social options for the Club to better engage with members, fans and corporate partners.
“We will be something different and far more than simply a coterie group,” she said. “One of our main aims is to give professional women a legitimate networking option in a top-class sporting environment.”
Rockliff said the playing group welcomed the formation of Women of the Pride.
“The contribution of women to the Club, from our mums right through to the staff, the volunteers and the supporters, is enormous,” he said. “To have a group like Women Of The Pride is fantastic and will act as another avenue to strengthen our bonds with the wider community.”
A Women of the Pride Committee has also been formed with representatives from the Club, partners of the players and coaches, members and sponsors.
Find out more about Women of the Pride at membership.lions.com.au/women-of-the-pride
