Gold Coast SUNS defender Katie Lynch remembers feeling isolated as the only female at a junior footy clinic of 300 young boys.

Speaking as part of the Gold Coast SUNS My Story, Our Story campaign, Lynch relived a moment in time where she didn’t believe she had a future in the game.

“I was the only girl at a football holiday program of about 300 young boys from across the state in Victoria,” Lynch said.

“I remember very vividly, being a part of the group, we had a guest speaker whose theme of the talk was about goal setting.

“I’ll never forget that he opened up his talk with a question to the group and he asked the entire room – who here wants to play AFL football, please stand up.

“I remember the entire room standing around me, and me remaining seated. Because that simply was not an option for me, so how could it ever be a goal?”

Lynch didn’t understand her feelings at the time, but now at 24, realises she felt isolated and alone.

“When I think about it now, in hindsight, my heart breaks for that little girl,” she said.

“That little girl who couldn’t see, or didn’t have that opportunity, that the 300 boys around her did, despite being of similar ability.

“To simply not to have that as an option, I look at that and it’s quite jarring and frustrating, I probably didn’t understand it at the time and what that really meant.

It’s why she isn’t taking anything for granted. She understands the game has come a long way, but there is still lots of work to be done.

Lynch has played 43 AFLW games after making her debut for Collingwood in 2019.

“I had no role model to be inspired by, so I try and make a real big effort to be conscious of the role I play,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity whilst also inspiring, that’s a key part now, we still have a massive role to empower young girls.

“I still think girls need to understand there’s no reason why we can’t do everything. We have such a big role as a community to foster that attitude.”

Some of the biggest names from across the sports industry have contributed to Gold Coast SUNS My Story, Our Story campaign, celebrating the many unique journeys taken by women in sport.

The campaign aims to unite women across Australia’s sporting landscape to share their authentic stories and lead a social discussion to inspire the future generation of athletes and administrators.

As part of the campaign, the public are encouraged tell their stories, not for the women they are today, but for the girls they once were.

To join the discussion, share your stories via the Gold Coast SUNS social media channels or by contacting the club via email at gcfcdigital@goldcoastfc.com.au.