Enrichd Sports Management’s Post

Fore! Better watch out for this empowering event for women lawyers - Corporate Counsel on Course!

Yesterday I posted about Ipswich Town and my love for the team. Here’s the backstory. When I was growing up as a boy in New Zealand, no one knew who Ipswich was. It was all rugby and rugby league. Now if I go out in an Ipswich top, I get stopped all the time, often by some expats. Football's become a big high profile sport in New Zealand these days. And in the district that I live in, there's about 10 of us who are actually supporters. I've made two close friends through football. We’re all Ipswich supporters. So recently, we formed the Ipswich Supporters Club, Selwyn Branch, and became an official branch of the supporters club. We recently gathered together for the last game of the season and the group has now developed into the Aotearoa New Zealand Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club and kiwis from across the country are slowly joining. Most of whom don't know each other. This has all been facilitated through Facebook groups. Once again, it shows how the internet can bring people together on common interests. Self organising communities. Social Media is not all bad! That’s the thing I love about sport, and about supporters clubs. They draw people together, from all around the world, and they create a sense of community. The positive that comes out of these interactions is so huge, and it all stems from having something in common, from connecting with people. I think that’s tremendously relevant in life, and in business.  What’s your connection? #flexiblelearning #netNZ #connectedlearning

#rugbyleague #womensempowerment #questioningassumptions #womeninmedicine. Perspectives- a lesson in questioning my assumptions. If you aren’t from New South Wales or Queensland, (Australia) you may not be as familiar with “State of Origin” as those of us up here. It is a hotly contested 3 game rugby league series in the middle of the season, between players who “originated” from those states. In some ways, it is more intensely followed than the Grand Final, which of course only involves two teams. For the last three years, women have also had the chance to play in “State of Origin”, initially one game, but in 2024 for a three-game series like the men. It was very exciting for us here in Townsville, as the decider final of the series was played right here in our stadium. The women play daring and athletic rugby.  I’m not overly “sporty”, but it was a ‘first” and an exciting event, so it naturally led to discussion among my friends and acquaintances. On several occasions, I heard someone say something along the lines of: “I’m glad they are playing, but I’m not really comfortable with women playing such an aggressive sport”. My first reaction was to agree with them. You only have to look at some sports injuries to know that it isn’t a gentle game. But then I realized. How would I have felt if someone in the 1970’s had said “I’m not comfortable with women studying medicine – they have to look at naked bodies, dissect cadavers, and it’s a very high-pressure career”? I would have objected in no uncertain terms, and strongly defended my right to study medicine if I chose to do so. These women are groundbreaking and absolutely deserve our respect and congratulations. Yes, the game is a contact sport, and potentially “rough”, but they have chosen to take part knowing exactly what is involved. I’m guessing they enjoy challenging themselves, just as I did years ago. It made me wonder. What other hidden cultural assumptions am I carrying? How about you? SueX

Ahh, the life of a Change Manager. If you think it’s all about guiding others through the change curve, think again. Spoiler alert: we ride that emotional rollercoaster too, and sometimes (all the time) we get front-row seats to the 'valley of despair'.   How ironic! Here we are, the so-called 'experts' in navigating change, yet we find ourselves grappling with the same feelings along with everyone else. It’s like being a tour guide who occasionally gets lost but still manages to find the way back with a smile (and maybe a few extra grey hairs).   Yesterday I listened to AECOM’s President, Lara Poloni, and ANZ Chief Executive, Mark McManamny, highlight the progress we’ve made on our Sustainable Legacies strategy. From creating a culture and framework from which to orient ourselves, to the tangible outcomes on projects - it’s all a testament to everyone’s dedication, resilience, and persistence.   It's given me an opportunity to reflect on the last few years working as part of the transformation program team for Sustainable Legacies. As a Change Manager, the opportunity to collaborate with the best and brightest, help solve complex challenges and witness the moment when someone (including me) crawls out of the 'valley of despair', are what drives me. It's a fantastic feeling hearing your leaders speak so proudly of something you've been part of. Especially when at times the journey has thrown you a curve ball (or five).    Change efforts for programs such as Sustainable Legacies are never truly finished. But it's like climbing a mountain and finally reaching a viewpoint where you can see the breathtaking landscape below. Onwards and upwards!

UOW UniActive has entered into a partnership with the Wollongong Wolves Football Club to bring the UniActive and Wollongong Wolves Female High-Performance Football Program to the Illawarra. ⚽️ The partnership is a step toward developing the future of women's football, with the Wollongong Wolves preparing to field a team in the national second division in the coming years. 👏 The program aims to provide individualised development and world-class support to aspiring female athletes, including tailored training in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, female health education, and pathway support, as well as technical football training. “Currently, there is no professional women’s team in the region, although the club has established clear pathways for the men's side. We aim to support the growth of women’s football in the area by offering scholarships to female players..." said Former Socceroo and Wollongong Wolves Board member Luke Wilkshire. “We expect football players to now comprise up to half of our new program with the rest being selected from female athletes in other sports, particularly in netball, rugby, hockey, swimming, basketball, athletics, and some other sports," said UniActive Sports Program Manager James Pendrigh. Expressions of interest are now open for the program starting 28 April 2025. 👉 bit.ly/3CXSRMY #ThisIsUOW

📣 I’m pleased to share my latest article, Potentials in Danish Sports Diplomacy in Confronting Authoritarian Regimes' Sportswashing and Propaganda, which examines how authoritarian regimes leverage sports for geopolitical purposes and advocates for a more cohesive and value-driven Danish sports diplomacy strategy to counter these trends. The article also provides recommendations for structural reforms aimed at enhancing Denmark's role in international sports policy.

We’re turning Australian Rules Football into the most inclusive sport in the country! 🙌🏉 Our latest campaign with the AFL features AFL Inclusion and AFL Wheelchair athletes showing what it means to break down barriers in sport. From special equipment to support workers, we’re making sure everyone has the chance to shine on the field. 🌟 Check this out to see how Beau Walker and Corey Durdin are teaming up with our incredible ambassadors to create a more accessible and fun experience for all! Watch the full-length video and find out how we're making AFL Australia's most inclusive sport at maplecommunity.com.au! #AbleWithMaple #AFLInclusion #AFLWheelchair #InclusiveSport #MapleCommunityServices #NDIS

Nice article from Steve Nance on the increasing incidence of injuries in female sports, especially lower limb injuries. The rise in female sports participation in Australia over the last decade is nothing short of remarkable. Girls and women are now actively competing in rugby league, rugby union, AFL, cricket and soccer (football), with their own natioanal leagues. This growth is a testament to their talent and determination, but it also brings an increasing incidence of injuries, especially lower limb injuries focusing on the knee. https://lnkd.in/esbt7AeP

I am convinced that successful business is just like most sports, a 100% a team endeavor. Consider the example of South Africa's oldest and most successful rugby union school, known for producing more international rugby players than any other institution in the country. A fascinating tradition at this school is that players don't wear numbers on their jerseys. This isn't just a quirky custom; it's a profound statement about teamwork and the collective spirit. Without numbers, no player is singled out as more important than another. Each individual understands that their role is fluid and can change based on the team's needs. This fosters a sense of unity and adaptability, essential traits for any successful business team. Moreover, at this school, no player is awarded "man of the match." Credit for success is shared among all team members. This approach isn't about being socialistic; it's about being cooperative. Every player knows that their contribution, no matter how small, is vital to the team's success. In the business world, this philosophy can transform how teams operate. When everyone feels valued and integral to the mission, collaboration flourishes, and innovation thrives. Just like in rugby, where the best teams don't rely on a single star player but on the collective strength of all, the most successful businesses are those where every team member plays a crucial role in driving the company forward. #bishopsrugby #culture #teamwork

My recent blog 'Its high time to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat racism in Ireland.' Have a full read here