Their stories
Everyone plays a role in supporting women and girls to have positive experiences in sport. Listen to the stories of women and girls and their coaches and facilitators as they work to create positive environments in community sport.
Football Central NT - Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Football Central NT are committed to supporting girls in Alice Springs to love the game of football, make friends, feel confident and have fun.
Following on from the Football Central NT video reflect on...
- How can I make sure everyone I work with feels like they belong and can succeed in their own way?
- What does success look like for the people in front of me? How can I celebrate more than just winning?
- How can I adapt my approach to fit the needs of my players, parents and community?
Surfing Mums - Albany, Western Australia
The Surfing Mums of Albany are committed to providing a safe environment for women to enjoy surfing with the family in tow.
Following on from the Surfing Mums video reflect on...
- What do I know about the space where my participants play, and how does it shape their experience?
- How can I build stronger connections within my community, especially for those who may feel left out or isolated?
- What does feeling safe and supported look like for the people I coach or officiate? How can I help create that?
Millie Rowley and She Walks - Sydney, New South Wales
Founder and facilitator of "She Walk's" running and walking club, Millie Rowley, is committed to creating genuine belonging and connection for women in a post-covid Sydney.
Following on from the She Walks video reflect on...
- How can sport help people in my community feel more connected to others and to where they belong?
- What can I do to make sure everyone can join in, feel capable and connect in ways that are right for them?
- How well do I understand the abilities and needs of my participants? How can I use that to shape my coaching and officiating practice?
Shuttle Swingers - Sydney, New South Wales
The Shuttle Swingers really like Badminton, but they love their community and welcoming people from all walks of life to enjoy learning new skills and having fun in sport.
Following on from watching the Shuttle Swingers video reflect on...
- How can I help someone feel like they belong, especially if they have never felt that way in sport before?
- What are my values as a coach or officials? How do they show up in the way I work with others?
- What does encouraging people to play sport mean to me? How is that reflected in their first experience with me?
Power House Rugby Union - Melbourne, Victoria
Power House Rugby Union Club have always prided themselves on mateship. The club knew they would need to be creative to create an inclusive and welcoming space for women to enjoy the sport.
Following on from watching the Power House Rugby story reflect on...
- How do I take time to understand people's past experiences in sport and how that shapes the way they show up today?
- What can I do to help create a welcoming culture where everyone feels valued and included?
- How can I help people show up as their "whole selves", no matter their background, gender or age?
Upper Beaconsfield Tennis Centre (UBTC)
Tennis Australia’s #nolimitsgirlssquads supports girls to enjoy the sport of tennis. The UBTC Squad are learning to love sport in a safe, supportive, fun and encouraging environment.
Following on from watching the Upper Beaconsfield Tennis Centre story reflect on...
- How can I create an environment where people feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them?
- How do I adapt activities so everyone stays challenged, confidence and engaged, no matter their skill or motivation?
- What does being adaptive mean to me, and how do I show that in my coaching or officiating?
Beck Hamilton and Surf Life Saving
Beck Hamilton has always loved surf life saving. Coaching has always challenged Beck to learn and reflect on the needs of others. She hopes she has inspired a love for surf life saving in the women and girls she’s coached.
Following on from watching Beck Hamiltons story reflect on...
- How can you help people feel like they are part of something bigger and see the positive impact they can make for their team or club?
- What can you do, even for one person, to help more women and girls stay involved in my environment?
- How do I use reflection in my practice currently, and how could I make it more meaningful for myself and others?
Waverley Netball Centre - Melbourne, VIC
What if the role of an umpire wasn’t to control the game, but to facilitate it? In this story, a netball umpire shares how focusing on participant needs and the purpose of play can create a more positive experience for everyone on the court. By applying the rules with understanding, not rigidity, she helps players get what they want from sport: fun, challenge, and connection.
Following on from watching Waverly Netball's story reflect on...
- How well do I understand what my participants want to get out of sport — and how does that shape my decisions?
- How can I apply rules or structure with understanding, so everyone still has a positive experience?
- What can I do to make sure sport stays fun, challenging, and connected for everyone involved?
FunFit Water Polo - Newcastle, NSW
What happens when someone who never saw themselves as a coach takes the leap — and empowers others to do the same? In regional NSW, a new water polo program is helping women of all ages break down stereotypes, build confidence, and find community through sport. Led by a first-time coach who once doubted her ability to lead, this story shows how support, encouragement, and opportunity can turn hesitation into empowerment.
Following on from watching FunFit Water Polo's story reflect on...
- What stereotypes about who is “sporty” might exist in my environment — and how can I challenge them?
- How can I show that there are many ways to be capable and contribute to a team?
- What can I do to make sure everyone feels that sport is a place for them, no matter their background or ability?
Gold Coast Basketball - Gold Coast, QLD
In this inspiring story, a wheelchair basketball coach shares how taking the time to understand each athlete’s unique needs helped her build a female-owned and led environment where women and girls can develop confidence, capability, and independence. By centering participants, not just performance, this coach shows how inclusive, person-first coaching can create powerful change both on and off the court.
Following on from watching Gold Coast Basketball's story reflect on...
- How do I take time to understand the unique needs and goals of each person I work with?
- What can I do to make my environment more inclusive and supportive for women and girls?
- How can I focus on people first to build confidence and independence in my participants?
Female Co. - Cairns, QLD
What happens when women and girls are placed at the centre of sport, supported by strong communities and advocates? This inspiring story explores how a strength program based in Cairns (Female Co) is empowering First Nations girls by working hand in hand with community, partnering with local leaders, and supporting men to become active allies for gender equality.
Following on from watching the Female Co's story reflect on...
- What does it look like when women and girls are truly at the centre of sport in my community?
- How can I work with local leaders and communities to create programs that reflect their strengths and needs?
- What role can I play in supporting men and boys to be active allies for women and girls in sport?
Zodiac Gymnastics - Burnie, TAS
What happens when coaching starts with the participant - their goals, their story, and their needs? In this inspiring story from Burnie, Tasmania, a gymnastics coach (Leah Englund) shares how participant-centred coaching can build confidence, connection and long-term love of sport. By meeting athletes where they are — and shaping sessions around what they want and who they are — coaches can unlock potential in ways that go far beyond performance.
Following on from watching the Female Co's story reflect on...
- How well do I understand the goals and stories of the people I coach or support?
- What could I change in my approach to better meet participants where they are, rather than where I expect them to be?
- How can I use participant-centred coaching to build confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of sport?
AFL Queensland Umpiring Academy - Brisbane, QLD
How can mentoring help women and girls stay in sport and thrive? In this story, an AFL official (Opal Jones) shares how officiating became a pathway to confidence, community and leadership. With the support of mentors, she found the courage to step forward, develop new skills, and grow both on and off the field.
Following on from watching the AFL Queensland Umpiring Academy's story reflect on...
- How can mentoring help the women and girls in my environment feel confident and supported to stay in sport?
- Who has mentored or supported me — and how can I offer that same encouragement to others?
- What can I do to create opportunities for women and girls to build confidence, leadership, and community through sport?