Humble AFLW Community Ambassador Inspires Others Thursday, July 21, 2022 - 2:04 PM

As nominations roll in for the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Season 7, one West Australian has nothing but praise for the initiative.  

Sarah Kerry from Secret Harbour was one of seven community representatives from across the country to be named a 2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador, travelling to Adelaide to be part of this year’s NAB AFLW Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne. 

In addition to the Grand Final experience, Kerry and the other Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors received a $1000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice. 

For Kerry, it was a trip of a lifetime and a memory she treasures. 

“To be honest, I was blown away. 

Just to be nominated felt enough. 

I love what I do and to be honoured in such a way is a moment I’ll never forget. 

I had the best day of my life at the AFLW Grand Final,” Kerry said. 

First picking up a football in 1991, Kerry has played for over 30 years, representing WA and Australian Navy. 

She still coaches and plays in her Secret Harbour side and has described the impact her ambassador role has had. 

“The women at my club are amazing, but prior to this award, I was the only female coach. 

Now we have 6 and the more females we can get involved at all levels is vital,” Kerry said. 

Among the new nominees, this year is Nicole Rodgers, the President of Warwick Greenwood Junior Football Club. 

“I’m very humbled, honoured and a little surprised by the nomination. 

I don't volunteer for the accolades, but it’s nice to know that volunteers are recognised. 

There are so many other volunteers in our community who work just as hard, so how do you single one out?” Rodgers said. 

Being involved in community sport is part of Rodgers’ DNA. 

“Both my sons have played since 2013, starting in Auskick. 

I grew up in the country and footy was a big part of the community. 

I was one of 3 girls who played hockey and my dad was the President of the footy club.  

I've now been involved in Metro Community Football for 10 years as a Team Manager, Auskick Coordinator, Registrar and now President.  

The role of President came up and I was put forward at the AGM by my fellow committee?members who thought I had the knowledge and experience to navigate the club through the season. 

It’s satisfying knowing I’m making a difference, to see our players with varying skill levels and backgrounds come together on game day. 

On top of that, I get pleasure out of seeing kids enjoy sport, they get a sense of belonging and create friendships outside of their school networks. 

For my boys to see me involved in what they do and be a positive role model in the community brings satisfaction,” Rodgers said. 

But being part of a team is what drives the President. 

“I have a very small, supportive, and motivated committee.  

We’re all very positive and have a goal of increasing participation in community sports. 

It's not unusual to see our Secretary doing the Canteen, our Property Manager setting up the grounds,?the Vice President helping mark the grounds, our Female Football Coordinator running Auskick. 

We all pitch in and help each other. 

I get great support from other Presidents and the team at the WAFC,” Rodgers said. 

Like most community clubs, tasks for everyone from the President down are many and varied. 

“Everything from erecting flag poles, checking there are enough snags on the BBQ, ensuring compliance to the rules and regulations, along with people management. 

I support and liaise with all our coaches, managers, committee members, and parents, liaise with surrounding?community clubs and link in with the WAFC to keep the spirit of football alive and fun. 

Warwick Greenwood is a small and passionate community club in the Subiaco District. 

We pride ourselves on retention, with most kids starting their Auskick at Warwick Greenwood and following through to Opens Football. 

We all know each other, and all teams help and support across all age groups. 

We have a tight community and family feel which I love. 

I was so proud last weekend when we saw our Year 9s run out in their new Indigenous jumpers, it was a great initiative?put forward by Rio Tinto and WAFC and our club got involved,” she said. 

Established in 2021, the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program was developed to recognise members of the female football community who’ve been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the growth of women’s football. 

Click here to nominate someone today!