American Football Queensland (AFQ) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kellie Hopkins to the management team. With a remarkable track record as both a player and coach in Queensland and Western Australia, Kellie brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role.
Kellie’s journey in American Football began in Queensland, where she played tackle football and honed her coaching skills. Her dedication to the sport and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for female athletes led her to Western Australia, where she successfully built the women's game from the ground up. As the Women's Director for Gridiron West, Kellie was instrumental in establishing the women’s division, culminating in the first-ever Women’s Gridiron West final in January 2018. Under her leadership, 120 women in the Metro area took up the sport, showcasing Kellie’s ability to inspire and grow participation.
In her current role as the State Coach, Kellie is dedicated to cultivating a new and exciting culture within the AFQ playing group. She is focused on enticing the next generation of female players to embrace the sport, whether in tackle or flag format. Her appointment to the management committee signifies a significant step forward in AFQ’s mission to drive participation across women's football in Queensland.
James Cowlishaw, President of American Football Queensland, expressed his enthusiasm about Kellie's appointment, stating, "Kellie Hopkins joining our management team is a significant milestone for American Football in Queensland. Her proven track record in building and promoting women's football instils great confidence in our future. We believe her leadership will energise our community and take the sport to new heights."
"We are excited to welcome Kellie Hopkins to the AFQ management team," said Lydia Somerville, Vice President of American Football Queensland. "Her achievements in both Queensland and Western Australia are a testament to her leadership and vision. We are confident that Kellie will be instrumental in advancing women's football in our state and inspiring more women to participate in this dynamic sport."
Kellie is also thrilled to have increased her role and responsibilities within American Football Queensland. "I am honoured to join the AFQ management team and thrilled to be part of such a proactive and passionate group. There is immense potential to develop and promote the sport, and I look forward to working with the community to achieve our goals and create a vibrant and supportive environment for female athletes."
As part of her new role, Kellie will work closely with AFQ on the Women’s Participation Growth Campaign. This initiative aims to achieve four strong women's teams in the upcoming 2024 competition and host 2-3 central event days, each attracting over 50 women. The campaign will kick off with the prestigious Kristy Moran Award, followed by an AFQ-hosted "Come and Try Day" at local clubs, providing women with the opportunity to experience the sport firsthand.