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New man in charge of WA women's football

FORMER Perth District Development Officer Clint Degebrodt is setting his sights on a new challenge after being appointed as the West Australian Football Commission’s new Development Manager of Female Football.

Degebrodt, who will take over from outgoing Development Manager Jan Cooper in 2010, said he was looking forward to working in one of football’s fastest growing segments, with a 40 per cent participation increase recorded over the last 12 months.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of working with one of the fastest growing sports in Australia,” Degebrodt said.

“A lot of the hard work has already been done and my main aim will be to continue the good work and maintain what’s already been achieved. One of the key areas I’ll focus on is setting up a 16s youth competition and possibly an 18s comp as well.

“My aim is to eventually have a women’s team in every district with closer ties to their WAFL clubs,” he said.

Degebrodt will work closely with his predecessor and new AFL Female Football Development Manager Jan Cooper, who is the AFL’s first full-time appointment for female football in WA.

Degebrodt has worked with Cooper previously in his role as Perth District Development Officer, assisting with the 2009 Youth Girls Carnival and establishing the first all-girls Eagles Cup team.

He was also part of the District Female Player Pathway Development Committee and the driving force behind a youth girls’ team representing the Perth Demons for the first time in 2009 – his second year in the development role.

Prior to that, Degebrodt worked for the Education Department for 11 years in physical education, administration and as a deputy principal. 

WAFC Director of Football Grant Dorrington congratulated Degebrodt on his appointment and said it was great to secure a candidate with such exciting ideas for this important development role.

“After an extensive interview process with a very high level of applicants, we are delighted to announce that Clint has been appointed to this very important role. It lays an exciting foundation for the future of female football in our State,” Mr Dorrington said.

Cooper said she was looking forward to working with Degebrodt in the new role and described his appointment as an exciting step forward for female football development.

“Not only is it great to have someone of Clint’s quality and experience joining the team, but flags the point that female football development isn’t just about females – the men should be involved as well.

“Clint has done some outstanding work with women’s football in the Perth District, which I’m sure he will continue across the State. He really is the best person for the job and has already been rolling out a number of initiatives to get the ball rolling.”