It might have taken almost 150 years but the glass ceiling has been well and truly shattered at Willunga Football Club, with Julie Clifton elected as its first female President.

The historic event took place at the club’s Annual General Meeting on 25 November.

A retired police officer and now a social inclusion worker, Julie has devoted her career to educating and helping young people, specialising in cyber safety.

A passionate supporter of the Willunga Football Club, she became Women’s Football Coordinator in 2016 and has been on the management committee for the last four years.

She says she was approached by club members and players to nominate for President.

“I guess this was a direct result of the success that I have had in the work I have done with developing the Willunga Women’s program and the respect I have earnt in this area perhaps.   

“It was very humbling to be asked.”

Julie says it was not a decision she took lightly but she was confident that in making history as the first female president she could continue the great work of presidents before her.

“I think the club has an excellent culture with many spots on the committee held by women.  

“I know I am supported by a great committee and members who have only the best interests of the Willunga Football Club in mind.”

Julie has been a trainer for the Willunga Women’s group since 2016 and for South Adelaide in the SANFLW competition, as well as supporting A Grade and B Grade men’s teams this year.  

Already a Level 2 Trainer, she has also completed SANFL Coach Development Training in 2021. 

Julie was a state softball representative and coached junior netball for several years.

Her two daughters, Lindsay and Lauren, have followed in Mum’s sporting footsteps and she says they are both talented footballers, starting with Auskick and progressing through the ranks. 

Now 20, Lindsay played in the Inaugural Open Women’s Team at Willunga and has since switched over to netball for the club.

Eighteen-year-old Lauren continues to play football for Willunga and South Adelaide, as well as the state under 19 team.

“She would love to play AFLW one day,” Julie says.

Willunga is the second oldest continuously running football club in South Australia, at 147 years.

The club has described the 2021 season as one of its most successful in history, winning Club of The Year, a Zone Pathways Award and four Premierships - A Grade, Open Women, U17 Women and Junior Colts. 

It has capped off its history-making year with Julie Clifton’s appointment as President.