Julian Keith
Stadium Australia’s three female sporting ambassadors – Ellie Carpenter, Jada Whyman and Kezie Apps – are kicking goals across the globe and inspiring young women everywhere.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, rising superstar Ellie Carpenter has been in Portugal with the Westfield Matildas who finished a creditable fourth in the Algarve Cup after going through the preliminary rounds undefeated.
Ellie, who turns 18 in April, has also signed her first professional contract with the Portland Thorns to play in the National Women’s Soccer League in America. She intends to return to the W-League in time for the 2018/19 season.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Portland Thorns and playing in the US this year. I also feel so privileged to be playing for my country,” Ellie said.
Her former colleague at Western Sydney Wanderers, Jada Whyman, recently received the Rebel Role Model Award for outstanding work both on and off the pitch.
Jada, 17, who hails from Wagga but now calls Western Sydney home, is one of the rising stars of the W-League and is already a fixture in the Young Matildas squad.
“I’m feeling very humble and honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the ‘Rebel Role Model Award’,” Jada said.
“I am a very proud Aboriginal woman and I hope that what I’m doing with football and my community will help inspire other young indigenous women.”
Rugby league’s Kezie Apps, 27, who lives on the NSW South Coast, was the Dally M Female Player of the Year in 2016 and represented the Australian Jillaroos in their triumphant 2017 World Cup campaign.
Kezie is an integral member NSWRL Blues setup based in Sydney Olympic Park and will this year play in the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership.
Kezie has become Stadium Australia’s newest Ambassador, joining fellow rugby league stars Greg Inglis, Luke Brooks and Josh Reynolds.
“It’s a pleasure to be joining the Stadium Australia team as an ambassador. The Stadium has played a significant role in my life as it has for so many people across NSW,” Kezie said.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and acts as a beacon for the continued call for gender parity.
