THE EDFL has this week welcomed Pauline Leslie as its newest staff member at Windy Hill.
Leslie has joined the League as its Female Football & Netball Development Manager – a new role created by the League as it looks to expand its footprint in female football and introduce a netball competition in 2018.
Leslie arrives at a critical time, with the EDFL looking to establish its own standalone Senior Women’s competition following the success of this year's joint competition with the WRFL.
“I’ve come at an exciting time,” Leslie said.
“With Girls Football, it’s about growing now and I think with netball, it will be interesting to see what develops, because it’ll be fresh.”
In conjunction with her role at the Calder Cannons’ Girls Program, Leslie will be heavily focused on working with EDFL clubs to assist with their development programs as female participants push through the talent pathways now on offer.
“Hopefully what we’d like to do is work with the EDFL in helping the local clubs understand what we’re doing to support their girls,” Leslie explained.
“It’s more about developing the girls in a way where they’re looked at as footballers, not girls.”
Chief Executive Marc Turri is looking forward to working with Leslie ahead of a crucial time for female development for the North West region.
“Pauline comes to the EDFL with a wealth of experience in the football industry,” he said.
“Her work with the Calder Cannons ensures that Pauline has an in-depth knowledge of football at both community level and at TAC Cup level.
“She already knows a number of clubs at EDFL level as well as the players involved in the talented player pathway and why those players have chosen football ahead of other participation sports for girls. Her knowledge will be invaluable.
“Those who know Pauline also know that she has a deep passion for the game and wants to see the number of girls playing football increase year-on-year.”
