The ACT Football Federation (Capital Football) wants to inspire more women to realise their potential through football (soccer).

The organisation has received a $10 000 grant as part of the 2010–11 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women program, a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the Australian Government Office for Women.

The grant will support a mentoring and development program for a group of ten women who are current or aspiring leaders in the areas of refereeing, club management and governance.

Capital Football CEO Heather Reid said the program is aimed at increasing the number of women in key positions in football and motivating other women to take on similar challenges and roles.

‘The program will bring valuable assistance to women in football, providing guidance through mentoring as well as ongoing support with development opportunities.’

Heather has been instrumental in forming, developing and promoting opportunities for women and girls in sport and physical activity, predominantly through football, since 1978. She has worked in management, consultancy and leadership positions for organisations such as Women’s Soccer Australia, Womensport Australia and the ASC, as well as lecturing in sport management at the University of Canberra.

In 2000, Heather received the Australian Sports Medal for her contribution to sport and in 2006 she received the Margaret Pewtress Ausport Award for her work as a mentor and leader in advancing programs and opportunities for women in sport.

‘My goal has always been to lead a unified sport with a level playing field for all participants,’ said Heather.

In 2004, Heather was the first woman appointed as CEO of a state football federation. Since then she has led the integration of all aspects of football in the Australian Capital Territory – for male, female, junior, indoor and outdoor players, along with referees and coaches. 

Heather believes that while player participation and the opportunities available to women and girls has increased significantly in football, the severe lack of women in leadership, coaching and refereeing remains under-represented – like in many other sports, particularly the traditional male football codes. 

‘The ASC grants and scholarships program is very important because it provides female coaches, referees, and managers the opportunities to embark on a pathway to sport leadership,’ Heather said. ‘It supports their education, qualifications and lifelong involvement in sport.’