The Melbourne University Women’s Football Club was delighted to recognise the significant contributions of Kate Francis with a Life Membership, recently awarded at our end of season Presentation Dinner. Kate joins only five other life members in the club’s eighteen year history. Kate arrived at the club in 2001, and played 105 games for the black and blue before her final game in 2011. Despite hanging up the boots, she has remained involved at the club at both senior and youth level. As a player, Kate was proud to wear her father’s number 61 guernsey throughout her career, including during her two premierships with the Division Two / Premier Reserves sides in 2003 and 2005. A reliable and smart defender with a loud, encouraging and instructional voice, Kate was rewarded for her strong leadership with captaincy roles (both Captain and Vice-Captain) in the Premier Reserves for a number of years. As substantial as her on-field efforts are, they are not the reason why she was recognised with this award. Even from her early years at the club, Kate was always supportive of the committee. Volunteering herself for the role of property steward in one of her first seasons, she continued to offer assistance to the committee and always with a smile on her face. In 2008, Kate took on the role of co-coach of the club’s Youth Girls team alongside fellow player Joanne Silcock. Despite the challenges of playing seniors and coaching juniors, she managed exceptionally well. Commanding the respect and admiration of her players, she continued in this role for four years including seasons co-coaching with current Youth Girls assistant coach Neil Barker. During her time coaching the Youth Girls, Kate oversaw much success both on and off the field. She also returned regularly to assist with the seniors acting as team runner and assisting with coaching, and even pulling the boots on when numbers were low. After the 2011 season, an opportunity presented to work in China which saw Kate following the MUGARS from afar, often watching games streamed over the internet. Upon her return just prior to the 2014 season, she accepted a position as co-coach of the newly established Division Five team. Juggling her return to Australia with work, study, training and match days, as well as all the planning and discussions that occur behind the scenes, Kate was successful leaving her mark on the Fivers with the team having much to celebrate at the end of their first year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate for her commitment, passion and dedication to the MUWFC. Congratulations and thank you Kate!
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 07:59:09 +0000
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