Play Like a Girl Australia to Invest $1 Million to Empower Women in Sport

Play Like a Girl Australia is making monumental strides toward leveling the playing field in sports. Through its transformative scholarship program, the organisation is not only championing gender equality in sports but also empowering countless women and girls to reach their full potential.
‍

A Commitment to Change

Play Like a Girl Australia is dedicated to creating an environment where women and girls can excel both on and off the field. With a mission to break down barriers and open doors, the organisation has awarded nearly $1 million in fully funded scholarships to deserving female athletes, coaches, and leaders across the country.
‍

This incredible achievement has been made possible through the generous support of our partners—City Jeep, Fulton Hogan, Highview, TAL Insurance, Holmesglen, and various local governments. Their unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in sport has been instrumental in making these scholarships a reality.
‍

Additionally, 20% of these scholarships have been directly funded by Play Like a Girl, underscoring our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for women and girls. These scholarships go beyond financial support; they represent a dedication to mentorship, leadership development, and community building.

‍

Victorian athlete and Play Like a Girl founder, Holly Bailey, reflects on this milestone: "Years ago, my vision was to lead and empower women and girls through the power of sport. Now, as we near the milestone of awarding $1 million in scholarships, that vision is becoming a reality. We’re not just creating opportunities; we’re transforming lives and communities across Australia. It’s an incredibly exciting moment."

The Scholarship Program

Play Like a Girl Australia’s scholarship program offers winners a fully-funded membership to the Play Like a Girl community, which provides a holistic approach to empowerment through various initiatives, including:
‍

• Leadership Development: Providing tools and resources to enhance leadership skills and confidence.
  ‍
• Mentoring: Weekly mentoring with experienced facilitators and a supportive cohort.
  ‍
• Networking: Creating opportunities to connect with industry professionals, fellow athletes, and leaders.
  ‍
• Community Building: Fostering a sense of community and shared learning among participants.
  ‍
• Education and Resources: Offering educational sessions and resources to support personal and professional growth.

Stories of Success

The impact of Play Like a Girl Australia's scholarship program is best illustrated through the stories of its recipients:

• Abigail Best: Thanks to the scholarship program, Abigail gained the confidence to become a netball umpire and retrain as a shooter. "The scholarship program gave me the support and resources I needed to believe in myself and take on new challenges," said Abigail. "I felt like I had a team cheering me on every step of the way."
  ‍
• Alix Kearney: Alix's involvement in the scholarship program helped her excel as an Assistant Coach and a Coach Developer with AFL Victoria. "The continuous learning and supportive community have been instrumental in my growth as a leader," said Alix. "It’s like having a personal coach for life, guiding and encouraging me."
  ‍
• Debbie Carruthers: Despite facing significant health challenges, Debbie's participation in the Empowered to Lead course provided her with the tools and confidence to coach four teams and inspire others with her resilience and dedication. "This program has been a lifeline, giving me the confidence and skills to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles," shared Debbie. "I’ve learned to turn my challenges into strengths."
  ‍
• Charlotte Whinnen: Charlotte's journey in lacrosse, supported by the scholarship program, led her to represent South Australia in National Teams and become a leader in the 2024 Australian Women’s Box Lacrosse team. "The leadership training and mentorship have been pivotal in my development both on and off the field," said Charlotte. "It’s been a game-changer for me, giving me the tools to lead with confidence."
  ‍
• Michaela Achilles: Originally from Germany, Michaela rediscovered her passion for sports through the scholarship program. Her involvement has led her to serve as the secretary of her local footy club and plan to lead yoga sessions for teenage girls. "Being part of this program reignited my passion for sports and leadership, and I'm excited to give back to the community," said Michaela. "I’ve found my purpose again and can’t wait to inspire others."
  ‍
  ‍

A Bright Future

Looking ahead, Play Like a Girl Australia is committed to expanding its scholarship program and reaching even more women and girls across the country. With plans to offer additional scholarships, enhance mentorship opportunities, and develop new leadership training modules, the organisation is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
‍

Join the Movement

Play Like a Girl Australia is not just an organisation; it’s a movement. A movement that believes in the power of sports to transform lives, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive world. By supporting this incredible program, you’re not only investing in the future of women and girls in sports but also in the future of our communities.
‍

Get involved by becoming a Member. To learn more about Play Like a Girl Australia, their scholarship program, and how you can get involved by becoming a member, visit www.playlikeagirlaustralia.com/membership.
‍