Lily Mithen has been appointed a female football ambassador. Source: Supplied
AS one of Geelong’s most passionate and promising players, it’s no surprise Lily Mithen is out help change perceptions about girls and footy.
The 16-year-old has been kicking goals since she started her football career.
The Year 11 Sacred Heart College student is already a three-time all-Australian at under-18 level.
Mithen’s enthusiasm and ability has been recognised by being named the player of the carnival in last year’s U18 National Championships, having been named U18 all-Australian three times, and earning a place in the AFL Academy Tour of New Zealand.
She has also captained Victoria and has won three league best and fairest medals.
This year, as a female football ambassador, Mithen is working closely with the AFL Barwon operations team and AFL Victoria development managers in a bid to grow the number girls playing in the Youth Girls and newly formed Junior Girls competitions.
She said she hoped parents would seriously consider the benefits that football had to offer their daughters.
“I think parents are a big influence on their girls playing football,” Mithen said.
“So I advise them let their girls give it a go, bring their friends along and enjoy being part a developing area of AFL.”
Mithen said she was delighted to have the opportunity to promote women’s football in the region, a role that sees her involved in the planning and delivery of come and try days and other female football initiatives from Auskick to senior football.
“When I was on an AFL academy trip to New Zealand, we were encouraged to come up with ways we could support female footy in our region,” she said.
“So I approached AFL Barwon and we discussed what contribution I could make, they came up with this and I was honoured to be able to take on this role.”
AFL Barwon Football development manger Katie Geerings said Mithen was the perfect player to represent female football in the region because of her achievements and efforts to promote the game.
“Lily is keen to get more girls involved, is passionate about the sport and the advantages of playing AFL football,” she said.
Aside from playing, Mithen is keen to film and produce videos and YouTube clips of her football experiences with friends and team mates.
AFL Barwon will work with her to produce a female football promotional video.