One of Canberra's most storied women's sporting institutions has issued a desperate plea for community support, highlighting a volunteer crisis that threatens its inclusive mission.
Volunteer Shortage Puts Inclusive Football at Risk
The ANU Women's Football Club (ANUWFC), Canberra's oldest and largest women's-only football club, is facing a critical shortage of volunteer coaches as it prepares for its 48th season. The club, which is inclusive of cis and trans women and non-binary people, says access to the sport is at risk without more helpers, particularly for social players.
The club controversially withdrew from the National Premier League Women's (NPLW) competition last year after just four games, citing injuries and limited player numbers. That move ended its run in the top division after being promoted in 2023. While NPLW football remains off the cards for the upcoming season, ANUWFC aims to field two teams in every Capital League division from first to sixth.
The most urgent need is for coaches in divisions four to six, the club's more social tiers. Pre-season training is set to commence after the Australia Day weekend, with trials starting on February 3.
"We're passionate about creating a welcoming, safe and fun environment for people to play football at every level," a club spokesperson said. "But without enough coaches, that access is at risk - especially for those who play for connection, fitness, and community rather than competition."
ANUWFC is not alone in its struggles, with other Canberra women's teams in rugby union and league also experiencing player shortages in recent years.
From the Footy Field to the African Jungle
Former Canberra Raiders forward Luke Bateman is trading the Australian outback for the African jungle, announcing he will appear on the new season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Bateman, who has previously appeared on The Bachelor and spoken openly about a gambling addiction that cost him around $500,000, said he was entering the jungle to represent his charity, Farm Angels.
"In some very exciting news, I'll be trading the Australian outback for the African jungle," Bateman said in an Instagram video. "I'll be going into the jungle representing my charity, Farm Angels, which is a charity very close to my heart."
The new season premieres on Sunday. Bateman's NRL career was hampered by a knee injury before he retired during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He has since returned to farming, gone viral on TikTok, and landed a book deal for a fantasy novel series.
Community Cricket and Canberra's Sporting Stars
In other Canberra sports news, a group of mates raised $3120 for Menslink during a light-hearted cricket match dubbed the Canberra Cricket Classic at Dickson Oval on Saturday. The event, nicknamed 'Seamernats', saw players from Byron Bay, Newcastle, and even Texas compete in stifling conditions.
Meanwhile, Cricket ACT will host its annual Donate for Jake round this week to raise awareness about blood and plasma donation. The round honours Jake Floros, who required emergency surgery and multiple transfusions after toxic shock syndrome at age 16 ended his playing career.
In positive news for the Canberra Raiders NRLW side, back-rower Jordyn Preston has signed a new two-year deal, keeping her in the capital until the end of 2027. Coach Darrin Borthwick praised Preston, who initially joined on a one-year deal, for her terrific season.
Canberra physiotherapist Tim McGrath is returning home after a two-year stint with the NFL's Washington Commanders. McGrath, who has also worked with the Brumbies and Raiders, will open his books at Elite Rehab and Sports Physiotherapy in Dickson.
The ACT athletics championships at the AIS next week will feature a star-studded field including Paris Olympian Mia Gross, former Australian 800m record holder Catriona Bissett, and Paralympian Rhiannon Clarke.
Finally, Canberra's Ashleigh Simes experienced the "terrifying" Australian Open 1-Point Slam, a high-stakes event where winning a single point advances you, with a $1 million prize. Simes bowed out in the first round to comedian Andy Lee, while NSW qualifier Jordan Smith won the million-dollar bounty.
