“A sports world that reflects our community is essential. It's critical for little girls and boys to grow up seeing women as athletes, coaches, and administrators as normal.”

Meet Jules Hay, a sports teacher, coach, and speaker who is a passionate advocate for using sport as a vehicle for wellbeing and social change. Jules works with young athletes, helping them build confidence, develop teamwork skills, face challenges with resilience, and reach their full potential, all while enjoying their journey and fostering a sense of community in sport.

NORMALISING WOMEN COACHES

“Currently, I am coaching U14 boys in an Australian Rules Football league. I believe having a woman coach normalises women in these roles and helps teenage boys develop respect for women. They respect me for my knowledge of the game, not just because I am a woman. This experience will help them form positive and respectful opinions of women in their future lives.”

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

“Systems were built by men for men and boys. Women and girls need new systems that suit their individual needs. Women and girls are fundamentally different from men and boys; they don’t need a cookie-cutter approach. We need to invest not only in women and girls' leadership, but also in training men and boys to understand the importance of diversity in sport. Much work is needed to bring old-fashioned men on this journey, as they are often the gatekeepers and major decision-makers. The glass ceiling is real and still present.”