AFL Executive General Manager of Football Laura Kane is the latest to sit down with SUNS Media to share her inspirational story as part of the club’s My Story, Our Story campaign.
Kane is one of a wide range of athletes and administrators to have contributed to the campaign, which 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.
The campaign shares the powerful and varied narratives of those who have had a big influence on the field as well as off it.
Kane has had an incredible journey in the sports world, most recently with 10+ years of experience at both the AFL and in clubland. The former General Manager Strategy and Football Operations and Head of Football Operations at North Melbourne has led the AFL Football Operations department since May 2023.
Looking back on her experiences as a young girl, Kane had a deep love for football but was unable to play beyond her teenage years with no female football competitions available. Although difficult, this turning point strengthened her resolve to provide women in sports greater chances.
“My experience as a female in the sporting industry has been fabulous,” Kane said.
“I’ve loved it so very much, and I think experiences in my formative years as a teenager, not being able to play football anymore certainly shaped my passion for AFLW and women in our game.”
Kane's off-field career started in the early 2000s when she worked as a community engagement officer and sports administrator, working closely with local football clubs and grassroots initiatives with a focus on increasing participation and fostering talent.
She quickly demonstrated an ability to drive change and influence the growth of women’s football and would go on to play a key role in the establishment and continued development of the AFLW competition.
Her leadership and vision were influential in shaping the league and expanding its reach.
“It’s so thrilling for me to see young girls now playing from Auskick all the way through to AFLW,” Kane said.
Her commitment to ensuring that girls and women have equal opportunities to play, succeed, and lead in football is unwavering. The journey she’s faced is something, if given the opportunity, she would do all over again.
“[I would say] do everything that you did and don’t change any of it, because it worked, and it was fun, and I’d do it all over again.”
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.
