WA AFLW Community Ambassador RevealedTuesday, October 17, 2023 - 12:53 PM

Kalgoorlie City Football Club’s Eshe Christie WA’s 2023 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador. 

Established in 2021, the AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football. 

Christie was surprised by the nomination and blown away by the support from her community.

"It means a huge amount to me, as I do this work to make the game better and to see our local clubs, players and community thrive." 

Christie was a key driver in the establishment of the Kalgoorlie City FC women’s football team in the Goldfields Football League. She became the team manager and captain for the side’s first two seasons. 

In the team’s inaugural year, Christie supported the organisation of games with the local Masters Football Club, as they didn’t have another women’s team to play against. The team also travelled to Esperance to play against another women’s team where Christie not only played but provided trainer support.  

Christie’s passion and dedication to women’s football saw her become commissioner of the Goldfields Football League with the sole purpose to develop female football in the region. 

In 2020 the GFL expanded its competition to include women’s football, and now all five senior clubs are competing in the women’s competition.  

In addition to her efforts to support the establishment of a women's competition within the GFL, Christie has shown remarkable dedication in the revitalisation of the NAB Auskick program.  

Her tireless work has not only led to a significant increase in participation rates but has also created stronger connections between the program and local clubs.  

"My biggest driver is our local players," Chrisie said.

"From Auskick seeing the girls such as my daughter get in there to juniors, seeing the hope that these girls now have that at the age of 15 they aren't going to be told "so sorry you can't play because you're a girl".

"To our senior players, some who are now gaining opportunities they never had before, such as playing for the State."

West Australian Football Commission’s Women and Girls Community Football Manager, Nicole Serafini congratulated Christie for becoming the State’s AFLW Community Ambassador. 

“Eshe’s commitment to both the growth of women's football and the development of youth programs has made a significant impact in our community,” Serafini said. 

Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice and the opportunity to be involved in the 2023 NAB AFLW Finals Series.