New SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona McLarty has been nominated for the Gold Coast Bulletin’s “Gold Coast Women of the Year” awards off the back of her outstanding work in the community.
McLarty’s name was put forward in the Champions of Sport category, presented by Harvey Norman, after a successful year developing women’s football on the Gold Coast amongst other achievements.
“I was really surprised,” McLarty told SUNS TV.
“I received a phone call from the Bulletin the other day and it’s very surprising and very flattering to be nominated for an award such as that.”
While she’s only been in her role with the Gold Coast SUNS for three months, McLarty has worked tirelessly in the local football industry for close to two decades.
“Previously before I came to the SUNS I was the Regional Manager for AFL Queensland so I was very involved in all participation and talent programs,” McLarty said.
“So everything from the grassroots, Auskick, junior club football up to our talent programs that we ran with AFL Queensland.
“Then obviously I’ve come across to the SUNS and been involved in the Winter Series and now setting up the team for 2020 with AFLW.”
In her spare time McLarty is also a volunteer surf lifesaver, often spending time at her local Nobby’s Beach Surf Lifesaving Club with the Nippers program and even crewing the rescue helicopter as well.
Her dedication in the community is only eclipsed by her desire to see young female footballers achieve their dreams on the Gold Coast.
“There’s a full pathway right through from Auskick to senior women’s football,” McLarty said.
“It’s going to be fantastic that girls can actually see that they can start Auskick and have their whole career right through to AFLW on the Gold Coast.
“That attention they’ve given to it and that importance they’ve placed on it is really resulting in the high numbers we’re seeing today.”
A judging panel led by Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page and featuring a number of high profile judges will select the winners, with an awards ceremony on International Women’s Day and a special magazine released in celebration.
