Football Queensland has strengthened the women’s game with the appointment of Kerry Hammersley as Female Participation Officer.
Originally from Leicestershire, England, Hammersley will help build the female participation from grassroots right through to elite player pathways.
Hammersley holds an AFC C-Licence, and is currently undertaking her B-Licence. She has worked extensively as a coach and mentor, after winding down her days as a player.
She has most recently worked as Regional Director of Coaching for Football Brisbane.
“I’m delighted to be appointed, I think you are onto a winner when you can work in something you’re passionate about,” Hammersley said.
“I’m excited to get to work and build female participation in the game.”
Hammersley’s appointment coincides with the release of the Female Football Survey, which seeks public input on how to build female participation in football.
“I think it is vitally important the public have a say in how we continually grow the game,” Hammersley said.
She said every girl must have the opportunity to play football.
“This position presents me with a perfect opportunity to be an agent of change, to lead by example, to empower and support females in all aspects of the game and to close the gap between male and female participation,” Hammersley said.
“Australia can be a world leader in the world game and the Matildas are destined to achieve this.
“The Matildas are great role models.”
“I believe you can’t be what you can’t see, so people to look up to are important.
“Football is definitely not a 9-to-5 job -the biggest thing is having the support of a partner, which I do have.”
Hammersley said the motivating factor for her work is to share the joy for the game.
“It comes down to coaches and teaching that love of the game, and not over-coaching at the junior level.
“We need to make sure coaches are supported, not just by female mentors, but also by males who champion women in the game.”
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