A member of the Collingullie Women’s Football team’s coaching panel has stood down after making inappropriate comments. Photo: Collingullie Football Club.
A Collingullie Football Club official has stood down after audio of him body shaming members of the club’s women’s team was circulated on social media.
A video of a match contains audio of the assistant coach criticising a player’s lack of mobility and attributing it to her weight and having “had four kids”.
“She could be a good player if she lost all her weight,” the man in the video can be heard saying.
“She just can’t f—ing move. We’ve got a real issue in our society overall with the body shape of our women.
“They’re our breeders, mate … you think about when we were growing up … you hardly saw any fat girls, it was rare.”
Region understands the footage was accidentally sent to the players and then distributed online.
Collingullie Football Club president Noel Penfold refused to name the man but confirmed he had stood down from the club. He made it clear the comments were not made by the senior coach, Stephen Carroll.
Mr Penfold said what was heard should never have been said.
“It’s unfortunate this happened. It’s one individual. It’s not what the club believes in,” he said.
“The guy stood down straight away and was no longer involved in the club. We’ve offered support to the girls and are banding together, and even though it wasn’t a good look, it’s not what the club believes in.”
Mr Penfold said the club had worked hard to create a safe and competitive environment for its female players.
“It’s disappointing, what’s happened,” he said.
“It’s a massive effort, what the club has done to get the girls up and going as good as they are.
“It is one individual out of hundreds involved with the club. He has been stood down. We want the girls to know the club stands with them and that this is not what the club believes.
“The girls obviously weren’t happy and that’s completely fair, but they also want to put this behind them and play footy.
“They made a grand final last year, and they want to be completely focused on getting back there and going one step further.”
AFL Riverina has also released a statement slamming the comments.
“The language and commentary contained within the video are not representative of AFL Riverina, AFL, or the values of our game,” the statement said.
“AFL Riverina will continue to investigate the matter and work closely with the club and the AFL as we address this matter.
“AFL Riverina remains committed to supporting the continued growth and development of women’s football and creating opportunities for women and girls across our region.”
Strange, I thought city-based elites like Labor's Communications Minister Anika Wells should fix it. View