Newly appointed AFL Darling Downs President Donna Bowers spoke to DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au about her vision and plans for her term in the top job in the region.
When asked about the pressure with taking on the top job, Bowers said that she knows she has the support to take on whatever comes at her as President.
"I probably should (be nervous) but I know I have a lot of support from the Junior and Senior Vice-Presidents Trevor and Heather Green," Bowers said.
"Both have extensive knowledge of footy in this region add to this the AFL Queensland game development team in Keith Webb and Jeff Neumann, the region has a great team going into the new year."
Opportunity and her role in building a club from scratch gave Bowers the confidence to accept her nomination at the AFL Darling Downs Annual General Meeting.
"In the 7-8 years I have had an association with the region and league, I have seen immense opportunities for development,” Bowers told DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au
"After the last 5 years as Secretary, building the Lockyer Valley Demons I felt I could assist greatly in further development and growth of clubs in the region.
"I have good knowledge of the grass roots of starting a club and the importance of sustaining that level of commitment," Bowers added.
President Bowers noted that growth and development of clubs was high on her agenda, increasing participation at high priorities clubs to equalise the playing field was key to a strong long term future.
"One of the areas I want to focus on is obviously growth and development of clubs, however I want to see all clubs reasonably strong in numbers rather than two or three."
"Providing strong and defined pathways for player development, for both boys and girls.
"I know that AFL Darling Downs has really proactive development staff and we are fortunate to have an executive committee who all aspire for this.
"The other area will be women’s and youth girl’s football, this area has great potential and I can already see great things ahead for the Darling Downs in terms of upcoming youth girl’s football," Bowers said.
Mrs. Donna Bowers became only the fourth female President on December 7th since the AFL Darling Downs was established in 1971, with the most recent female President Heather Green still involved at executive level.
PHOTO: Newly appointed President Donna Bowers with AFL Queensland female programs manager Breeanna Brock after her appointment at the AFLDD AGM on Dec-7
Last Modified on 28/06/2016 12:30
