Coaches and mentors are key figures in community sport, especially for young participants.
Our International Women’s Day panel of Darebin Falcons’ Jasmine Hirst, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Sport’s, Junior Melo and Scienceworks’ Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson discussed why girls, and young women need positive role models to engage and continue in sport.
We all know that coaches teach sport skills, but they also help empower participants and make sure they feel valued and included. Programs can help girls see their potential and be inspired to achieve their dreams, both in and outside of sport.
Programs that involve young women mentoring girls have been very successful. These programs not only encourage participation but also teach young women how to run sports programs and build engagement into the future. It's important for girls to see coaches and mentors who look like them.
CM Sport Manager Junior Melo explained, “Representation always matters, having diverse cultures, engaging female coaches, mentors from similar backgrounds. I think, when you think about representation, you go all levels. There are lots of participants in sports but when you move up the ladder there are not many coaches from culturally diverse backgrounds or board members. “
The Darebin Falcons Women’s Sports Club created links to local schools to create more than just on-field opportunities to engage with girls and teens. Head of Soccer Jasmine Hirst shared, “they can do that as part of their component if they are doing Duke of Edinburgh Award, or have a school that requires them to do community service or develop a skill.... we have a lot of players taking part in these programs.”
The Falcons also identified a drop-off in the number of referees for their 8 – 11-year-old teams, and an opportunity to connect with players at risk of leaving the club. “We had a group of girls who were wanting to go and earn some money and get part-time jobs but that might then impact on their ability to continue in sport.
‘So, we set up a program so we could pay them to run those programs, the idea being we keep them in sport, we provide role models for the younger ones, and then we also provide them with leadership opportunities.” Last season they had 30 referees sign up to the program.
Outside of sport, Scienceworks recognised the importance of role models. Season 2 of their ‘Science Is A Superpower Series’ was launched on International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February. Science Communicator Dr Cat explained “It builds a community of girls who are interested in STEM so they can meet each other and make that connection and upskills them and creates a safe space as well. “
By connecting with communities and schools, these programs have helped many girls learn how to manage and deliver activities, promoting cultural inclusion and support for young girls.
Watch the whole conversation on our YouTube channel.
Page last updated: 17 March 2025
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