NSW Government Boosts Funding for Female Sports Leaders
September 3, 2021
The Government of New South Wales in Australia is working to increase leadership opportunities for women in sports-based roles on and off the field supported by an additional $600,000 in funding. The boost is in addition to $640,000 recently announced through the ‘Her Sport Her Way' Grant Program.
Minister for Sport NSW, Natalie Ward stated, “I am a passionate supporter of women being involved in all levels of sport...Funding will go towards initiatives that promote women in roles such as coaching, officiating, board directorship and developing inclusive sporting cultures.”
The ‘Her Sport Her Way’ initiative, which runs through 2023, aims to build a stronger sport sector where women and girls are valued, recognised and have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate. Her Sport Her Way is a key action under the whole-of-government NSW Women’s Strategy 2019-2022.
Featuring 29 initiatives across four strategic pillars of participation, places and spaces, leveraging investment and leadership, the initative seeks to increase women's and girl's participation as players, leaders and coaches, improve facilities and attract more investment and recognition for women's sport.
The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) is one of 17 organisations to receive a grant under the strategy. It has plans for an education program - “A League of Their Own” - for 40 women and men who coach women’s Rugby League, to delve into the physical, tactical, social and biological aspects of the female game.
Sport NSW will deliver gender-inclusive training to sporting organisations and support professional development programs for female leaders. Sport NSW Chief Executive Officer Ross Bidencope said the funding would support the sector in increasing the number of women in leadership roles and on boards.
Echoed by Ward, “this investment will enable education programs and support organisations in embedding equitable leadership at all levels of sport, from grassroots through to boardrooms.”
Other initiatives to be delivered include the development of mentoring programs, female coaching and leadership programs, mental health networks and youth leadership programs for girls from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.