Kimberley Spirit Program Welcomes Simone Haugh as Manager

We sat down with Simone to learn about the journey that led her to the Kimberley Spirit role, and what her plans are moving forward with the active and well established program.

Simone has a long history of engagement with women’s footy at the highest level.

What is your personal background in the sport and recreation space?

I have always been active and played sport growing up. Basketball, athletics and netball were my go-to sports growing up.

In Victoria, netball is linked to the football club so you played alongside the football team for the season. Having two brothers I was often training or spending half time out on the oval kicking the footy. I always wished girls could play footy!

I finally got my opportunity to play AFL at a later age as the female league started on the Gold Coast. I helped set up the Burleigh Bombers Football Club women's team and was able to play for a few years.

This took me into a stint of coaching as an assistant with Bond Uni QAFLW (a feeder club to the SUNS).

I have loved watching the growth of the game and the awesome future it has for females at all levels. 

And what about in the professional space?

I'm very lucky I could take my love and passion for sport and forge a career in it. My background is in major events and consumer marketing. 

I have spent 10 years in the AFL working with Geelong FC and also helped launch the Gold Coast SUNS into the AFL.

Both roles were in Consumer where I was responsible for the Consumer Portfolio - Membership, Ticketing and Community programs.

What has motivated you to join Garnduwa and lead the Kimberley’s recognised pathway development program for AFL?

I love the positive impact sport has, but also know the importance of having balance outside of sport. If you can help people be the best version of themselves on and off the field you help with skills for life. 

I studied Elite Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement and worked with the GC SUNS academy and AFL teams for the practical side to complete the course.

Upon finishing I took a mid-career break last year and travelled for 6 months through the NT and across the Kimberley. I fell in love with the Kimberley! 

I saw this role advertised. Reading into the role and learning that Garnduwa's values resonated with me, I felt this was a great opportunity. Working in the Kimberley, combining my love of AFL and helping build capacity for the next generation, it was too good to pass up. 

I'm really looking forward to building my cultural awareness capacity and immersing myself out in community. 

What is your vision for the Program in 2024?

Ben (previous KSFP manager) has done a fantastic job with the program to date and he vacates the role in a really good position and has achieved some great outcomes.  

For 2024 I want to hit the ground running quickly and build on Ben's great work.  

Continuing to achieve and grow current talent numbers is important but I also want to focus on funding opportunities to ensure Kimberley Spirits long-term sustainability

Simone will bring decades of sport industry and elite athlete engagement experience to the program.

What is the impact of participation in sport and recreation for young people outside of athletic development?  

Feeling a sense of belonging through community and building friendships 

Early connection with sport has positive health & wellbeing outcomes in all aspects of life 

It enables the development of life long skills. Leadership, teamwork, goal setting, decision making and much more are all skills developed through sport and recreation participation.