Essendon Football Club is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day, highlighting its entry into the VFLW competition as a key pillar in its support of equality in sport.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said supporting the International Women’s Day #PressforProgress’ campaign aligned with the club’s vision to drive inclusion and create new pathways for women in the football industry.
“Essendon Football Club lives by, and believes in, our vision that everyone matters,” he said.
“We are fully committed to growing, developing and investing in aspiring young female footballers, females working in football and more broadly the game of women's football.”
“We believe working with young players is an important step in inspiring the next generation of female football fans, players, sports administrators and women throughout the industry.”
VFLW player Isabella Farchioni said the Bombers women’s team felt immediately welcome at the club.
“Not only is Essendon a club for the VFL and AFL men, but it’s now given women an equal opportunity to grow in football, not just in the VFL league, but within the whole community,” Farchioni said.
“It’s really fantastic that we’re able to use the facilities and given that opportunity to really grow.”
Fellow young gun Hayley Bullas agreed and said she was encouraged by Essendon’s commitment to press for progress.
“Having equal opportunity as the men’s team has been amazing, I couldn’t fault this place and we’ve been really lucky to have access to everything here,” Bullas said.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s been great to feel as one and equal to the men.”
Essendon’s VFL Operations Manager Ash Brown said the club’s first VFLW squad would play an important role in the Bombers’ efforts for equality in football.
“It’s great that we as a club can have women role models like we do in our VFL program to press for equality and be real role models for people in the local area,” Brown said.
“The Essendon Football Club takes gender equality very seriously and we’re obviously on the front foot in recognising International Women’s Day.”
The Essendon VFLW team will play in its inaugural first match against Hawthorn on Sunday May 6, at Windy Hill.
