Female Football Week Spotlight: Shani Mackey

Female Football Week Spotlight: We recognise Shani — the Social Women’s Coordinator for the Women’s Social League 1 team at Taroona Football Club.

Behind the scenes, Shani has played a role in recruiting and building up two women's social teams at Taroona FC. From recruiting new players each season to organising pre-season training sessions and helping prepare the team for competition, her commitment helps ensure more women and non-binary have a place to play.

Balancing volunteering, playing football, and raising a young daughter, Shani embodies the spirit of community football and the role women play in shaping social football.

For Shani, the most rewarding part of being involved in women’s football is the environment and community that has been created within the club.

When asked - What has been the most rewarding part of playing football and taking on your coordinator role?

Shani says “It’s a very hard question to put simply,” she said. “So here’s a few; the friendships. Seeing new players come to our club nervous and inexperienced and begin to shine in the environment we have created. Watching our players’ skills and confidence increase. The laughter we share.”

“The gaggle of children who get to come see all us mums absolutely slay and enjoy ourselves in sport. The compliments we get from other clubs about our culture and vibe. The sense of community within our teams to support each other through thick and thin.”

Shani’s passion for creating opportunities for women in football has helped the social women’s program continue to grow year after year, with more players joining the club.

“I love TFC and all the players I get to share my time with,” she said. “We are reaping the rewards year after year as more women keep coming to join our social side. What isn’t there to love?!”

Her dedication highlights how important volunteers and leaders are to the continued growth of women’s football. Through her efforts, countless women have found friendship, confidence, belonging, and joy through the game.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Shani contributes to our football community.