Hawks partner with Bass Coast Shire Council

HawthornFootball Club and Box Hill Hawks are proud to announce a newpartnership with Bass Coast Shire Council.

The deal will see Hawthorn and Bass Coast Shire Council workcollaboratively towards driving greater football participation in the women’sspace as well as promoting the south-east Victorian region.

Hawthorn and Box Hill Hawks will also endeavour to host aVFL/VFLW double-header fixture in the region over the course of the respectivesides’ 2022 campaigns.

As the Hawks set their sights on the club’s entry into the AFLWcompetition later this year, the Bass Coast Shire Council is eager to align withthe club through this exciting developmental phase.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves says the partnership forms anothersignificant step in the club’s pursuit to grow its women’s football program aswell as the broader women’s football community.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with the Bass CoastShire Council as we stand on the cusp of a historic period for the club aheadof our move into the AFLW,” Reeves said.

“The club and the Bass Coast Shire Council are very muchaligned in our views in this space and we’re excited by their passionto be involved.

“We hope this partnership can evolve over the coming years to apoint where the region sees greater opportunity and exposure at theprofessional sport level.”

Box Hill President Ed Sill said it was important that the clubcontinued to play its role in supporting the growth of the game.

“This partnership further cements ourclub’s commitment to supporting pathway programs throughout theregion,” Sill said.

Bass Coast Shire Chief Executive Ali Wastie welcomed thepartnership with Hawthorn Football Club and, in particular, the club’s incomingAFLW team.

“Bass Coast residents are proud sport lovers. This landmarkpartnership with the Hawthorn Football Club is a bold and significant stepforward for the region as we cement and grow our relationship with the sportclosest to Victorians’ hearts,” Ms Wastie said.

“As Victoria’s fastest rising regional population per capita,this is not only an important recognition for Bass Coast but reflects our deepcommitment to gender equality, inclusion and diversity.

“We look forward to discussing fundingopportunities with both the State andFederal Government to help deliver improvementsto the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. We are one of Victoria’s fastestgrowing regional communities and we want to provide a great experience toall players and fans.”

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