INAUGURAL SFL WOMEN’S ROUND BREAKFAST
Southern Football League, 29 June 2013
The inaugural SFL Women’s Round Breakfast was held on Saturday 29 June 2013 at Dingley Sports Club, Souter Oval, Dingley.
Over 65 women from across the SFL gathered to celebrate the contribution of female volunteers to our great game. Female club officials, volunteers, netball players, umpires, administrators and board directors were all present for what was a fantastic morning.
Motivational businesswoman Karen Livingstone spoke to the group. Karen is the founder of Ovarian Cancer Australia and she is a vocal lobbyist for research into improving outcomes to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Hers is a story of triumphing over adversity. Her personal journey of strength, courage and conviction to always move forward was both inspiring and moving. Her words touched many in the room and we would like to thank Karen for sharing with us.
Kerrie Thornhill, Hampton FC said “Thank you for the amazing morning at the Ladies Breakfast on Saturday – it was good to see such a good turnout. I was truly moved by the speech Karen Livingstone made and her dedication to ovarian cancer research. I have a great admiration for people who get out there and make a difference regardless of their gender and their ability and to the hard workers who don’t accept ‘it’s too hard’ or ‘can’t do’ – anything is achievable”. Maggie Dawes, St Pauls FC, agreed, saying “It was a good feeling to be in a room with a group of women who all have the same passion for their club and community. "
SFL Umpire Elise Cooper joined us on her way to umpiring the "Women's AFL" exhibition game. The game was played as a curtain raiser to the Women’s Round AFL game between Melbourne FC and Western Bulldogs FC. Along with fellow SFL umpires Annie Mirabile and Adele Wickenden, the girls were excited to be involved. Elise Cooper, SFL Umpire said “It was amazing and so much fun.”
The morning also offered some great raffle prizes including a Balloon Flight for two over the Yarra Valley thanks to Red Balloon Experiences and some wonderful gifts and goodie bags thanks to SFL sponsors Beiersdorf, Diageo and YMCA Monash Fitness Centre.
The SFL would also like to thank the ladies at Dingley who did an outstanding job of putting on breakfast.
We look forward to this being the first of many SFL Women’s Round events to come.
A full photo gallery of the breakfast is available here:
http://sfnl.com.au/gallery/womens-round-breakfast-round-11-2013/
