FOOTY clubs have long been considered the bastion of men but that is not the way Ellen McConochie sees them. McConochie is a feature of the Coolaroo Australian Rules Football Club, having devoted the past 36 years of her life to the ‘Roos.
The mother of two of the club’s players, Craig and Brett McConochie, has filled many positions with Coolaroo since moving to Toowoomba in 1977.
She started off working in the canteen and has been the manager of the senior team for the past two decades.
“I’ve been with Coolaroo 36 years and I just love it,” she said.
“I used to work the canteen. I’ve done everything basically. The only thing I haven’t done is play."
“I come to the games anyway, so you may as well do something.”
And while footy clubs are generally seen as the domain of men, McConochie says that is not the case at Coolaroo.
“There have always been ladies involved, but more so now,” she said.
“I think more ladies are coming to watch and they want to get involved, especially the ones with little ones.”
It could be McConochie’s example that has sparked the female influence at Coolaroo, because her years of service have been recognised by AFL Queensland. In 2010 she received the AFL Queensland Female in Football Award, which recognises the role women play in the sport.
The Coolaroo volunteer is Manager of the ‘Roos 'A' Grade team and has also previously held executive positions with the now defunct South East Queensland Australian Football Association and subsequent Queensland Australian Football League.
She also served on the committee of AFL Darling Downs for 15 years and was rewarded with life membership.
The AFLQ Coach and Volunteer Awards night was held in Brisbane, but such is McConochie’s love of Coolaroo, she opted instead to attend the club’s 40th anniversary.
McConochie volunteers her time for the love of the game but is chuffed her efforts were recognised by the state governing body. So much so, she holds her Female in Football Award in the same esteem as being bestowed life membership at Coolaroo.
“Probably being a life member of Coolaroo is the highlight, but I think the award might be it,” McConochie said. “It was all of Queensland, so I think I’m lucky actually.”
Last Modified on 11/07/2013 09:10
