In a year that will be remembered for the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Allan Labor Government is backing more Victorian women employed in sport and recreation to further their careers.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced 70 recipients will undertake a range of professional development and training through the 2023-24 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program.

The recipients represent a wide range of sports and organisations, including lacrosse, lifesaving, basketball, cricket, sport climbing and disability sports.

Four streams of development opportunities to support women at every stage of their career were offered as part of this year’s program – from early careers through to aspiring and current executives and directors.

The grants include professional development and sports governance courses, access to leading career coaches to help develop their career pathway and skills.

Football Victoria Metropolitan Development Coordinator Sophie Byrnes will undertake a New Leader Development Course to gain skills and insights into effective leadership as part of the program’s Learning stream.

The Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program supports women to develop and strengthen the specialist skills needed for their roles in the sport and recreation sector – placing them in the best position to secure and thrive in leadership positions.

The program is run by the Labor Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation – the first office of its kind in Australia – through its Change our Gameinitiative.

For more information, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au/the-initiative/change-our-game-grants.