Female participation in the Bulldogs’ youth leadership program The Whitten Project continues to exponentially grow, with record levels in the 2015 intake of young leaders.
In its’ third year, the program has a record 42 female leaders, up from 28 in 2014 and nine in 2013.
The program’s popularity continues to rise for both genders, with overall nominations growing by 400 per cent since 2013.
The group of 66 aspiring leaders were selected form a record pool of 149 applicants and consists of 42 females and 24 males who represent 28 secondary schools, 39 suburbs and the six participating local governments of Brimbank, Glenelg, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Moonee Valley.
The class of 2015 will be treated to variety of interactive and inclusive workshops delivered between April and October including sessions with Western Bulldogs vice-captain Jordan Roughead who has signed on as Program Ambassador.
A young leader himself, Roughead understands how rewarding a position of leadership can be and how it can positively impact those around him.
“You can help your peers by being their collective voice, or be a voice of reason when the need arises; it can help you leave a positive and influential imprint on the people and environment around you.”
In another coup for the program, participants have had the privilege of learning and working alongside Melbourne Vixens vice-captain Geva Mentor, who shared leadership experiences from 15 years of international experience that includes two ANZ Championships, four Commonwealth Games and World Netball Championships appearances.
Mentor describes herself as someone who leads by example and believes that “you don’t always get what you wish for, you get what you work for”.
The young leaders will also complete an AFL Victoria Level1 Coaching Course, play AFL 9s at Etihad Stadium and attend Council-facilitated workshops during the remainder of the program.
The leaders will also learn about support networks and personal branding from Melbourne Vixens captain Biance Chatfield, and resilience and goal-setting from Western Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney.
The Whitten Project is designed to inspire, educate and empower local young people through interactive and inclusive workshops and is proudly supported by AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria, Victoria University, Sport and Recreation Victoria and CDC Victoria.
