Female Football Week Spotlight: Jen Bruyn

At Taroona FC, dedicated volunteers help create the strong community spirit that makes the club special, and Jen Bruyn is one of those people always willing to step up and help.

Whether she’s managing the U18 Girls team, helping out on game days, supporting youth events or jumping in wherever needed, Jen is always willing to lend a hand.

For the past few years, Jen has been Team Manager for the U18 Girls, a role she embraced to help ensure young females continue to enjoy the same opportunities she experienced growing up through team sport.

“I grew up playing a lot of team sports — it was an important part of my youth,” Jen said. “I didn’t realise it at the time, but I now know I was only able to have those experiences because of the parents, teachers and community members who volunteered their time to help run the teams.”

Jen says volunteering is her way of giving back and helping create opportunities for the next generation of players, including her own daughters who play at the club.

“I think being part of a team as a young person is important, but I know those teams rely heavily on volunteers. So I volunteer with TFC to make sure the players within the club — including my daughters — have the same opportunities in team sports that I had growing up.”

Although she didn’t come from a football background herself, Jen found Team Manager was the perfect way to get involved.

“I didn’t play soccer, so Team Manager was a good role for me,” she said. “And I love it for several reasons — I get to spend time with my daughters, I get to know the other players and I get to feel like part of a team again.”

Jen’s contribution extends well beyond match days. From helping in the kiosk to supporting fundraising activities and youth events, she is a familiar and valued face around the club community.

For women considering volunteering in football but unsure if they have the time, Jen has a simple but encouraging message.

“You don’t always need to commit a significant amount of time or make a long-term commitment to have an impact,” she said. “An hour or two at the kiosk, or helping with a sausage sizzle or other fundraising activity can make a huge difference.”

“I always enjoy my time volunteering for the club — it’s a great environment filled with lovely people. And it’s satisfying too. Regardless of how big or small the task is, I know I am helping the club provide more opportunities and experiences for my daughters, their friends and the rest of the players.”

Female Football Week is a chance to celebrate the women and girls who make football communities stronger every day, and Jen Bruyn is a wonderful example of the positive impact volunteers have both on and off the field.