Strong Women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 every year, stands as a vehicle for change; to inspire bold action in an effort to create a more gender inclusive world.

Gold Coast senior coach Rodney Eade spoke of the highly regarded role females’ play in the AFL in his press conference Wednesday morning.

“I think it’s great, I think the women’s competition has highlighted the role that women can play in football,” Eade said.

“There is more boards now with females on it, obviously the commission as well, staff at the AFL, staff at footy clubs, I think it’s terrific and hopefully as an industry we are becoming more inclusive, and I hope that grows.”

Eade’s statement is wholly reflective of the Gold Coast SUNS as an organisation, who champion the integral part women play on their board and in the football and administration departments.

This year has seen the development of the inaugural SUNS Youth Girls Academy, a program dedicated to the elite development of female talent aiding the growth of women’s football in Queensland.

Youth Girls Academy coach, Michael Gugliotta, said moments like International Women’s Day and their Be Bold For Change campaign reinforced the Club’s commitment to furthering female involvement with AFL at all levels.

“The Club truly believes that the Academy improves the pathway for young girls to play at the elite level and as we have seen with the AFLW competition this has already produced fantastic role models for young girls who can now see themselves equally represented in their sport.”