A hand up for female coaches


Released 10/07/2019

Thirteen female coaches across twelve sports have received up to $5,000 for Elite Coaching Scholarships to help them progress to higher level coaching positions.

Female coaches bring a unique perspective and value to all sports. These Scholarships will support Canberra's next generation of elite female coaching leaders through professional development and practical experience.

This exciting new pathway for female coaches builds on the recent groundswell of momentum to enhance sport participation opportunities for women and girls.

These new scholarships will assist to bridge the current gap in coaching development opportunities for female coaches and link participants, through their sports, to high level coaching education and resources.

Recipients, supported by a State Sporting Organisation or team, will have access to coaching-specific education and training through accreditation courses, mentorships with peak bodies and sports teams, coaching equipment and other costs associated with the recipient's coaching development program.

Congratulations to the following recipients and their supporting State Sporting Organisation and teams:

  • Karen Breaden supported by Canberra Region and Community Rugby League
  • Madeleine Fleming supported by Woden Valley Swim Club
  • Kristol Pyke supported by Baseball Canberra
  • Amanda Ingram supported by Touch Football ACT
  • Ashley Kara supported by ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union
  • Sharon De La Rosa supported by Boxing ACT
  • Karen Pon supported by Table Tennis ACT
  • Lyndsey Simcoe supported by Netball ACT
  • Suzan Fulop supported by ACT Athletics Association Inc
  • Rebecca Maher and Erin Osborne supported by Cricket ACT
  • Carly Wilson supported by UCX, University of Canberra Capitals
  • Louise Burrows supported by the University of Canberra

For more information about the Elite Female Coaching Scholarships visit: www.sport.act.gov.au

Quote attributable to Karen Pon, Coach, Table Tennis ACT:

"I am thrilled to be receiving the Elite Female Coaching Scholarship and would like to thank the ACT Government and Table Tennis ACT for their support. The funding will help me re-gain my coach accreditation as well as prepare me for the next level of coaching by working with a mentor coach.

I will be learning from higher level coaches and using that knowledge and experience to support the growth of table tennis in the ACT, and the development of its athletes and coaches."

Quote attributable to Madeleine Fleming, Coach, Woden Valley Swim Club:

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue my formal coaching accreditation with support from the 2019 Elite Female Coaching scholarship. This qualification is especially significant to me, formalising my progression in the coaching sphere, as one of few Female Head coaches in the region. I lead a team of majority women, so look to exemplify the coaching progression typically less pursued by females.

"I have hoped to undertake my Advanced coaching course for some time, and to finally realise this goal with the generous support of the initiative, the ACT government and wider community bodes great success and future possibilities for Swimming in the ACT.

"This contribution to the club and greater area is both exciting and invigorating, and I would like to express my gratitude for the support to accelerate my coaching development, provided by the ACT Government. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and skill growth on this journey."

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

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