Adelaide has bolstered its women’s football program, appointing respected sports administrator Caitlin Brady as Football Coordinator.

Brady’s appointment is a joint initiative of the Crows and South Australian Women’s Football League, which operates under the Channel 9 Adelaide Football League.

Brady will continue in her role as SAWFL Development Officer and also provide valuable assistance as the Adelaide Football Club, in partnership with AFL Northern Territory, prepares its bid for a licence in the inaugural national women’s league.

CEO of the Channel 9 Adelaide Football League, John Kernahan said, “The opportunity for us to utilise a professional elite sporting organisation and assist us with the progression of women’s football is extremely exciting.”

A former Greenacres Football Club President and Board Member, Brady worked alongside state coach Narelle Smith as Team Manager of the SANFL Women’s Team last year.

As well as a long-standing involvement with women’s football and, in particular development pathways, Brady has also held administrative roles in rugby, tennis and volleyball.

Head of Football David Noble said Brady’s appointment was a significant step for the Crows.

“Caitlin has a wealth of knowledge and experience not only in women’s football, but the wider sporting industry,” Noble said.

“We are working alongside AFLNT to ensure we have the funding, infrastructure, systems and personnel in place to support a team in the AFL women’s competition next season.

“Even if our bid for a licence is unsuccessful in 2017, we remain committed to working with the SAWFL & the SANFL to help develop women’s football through a number of initiatives, particularly at grassroots level.”

The Crows are committed to a broader Gender Diversity Program, which forms part of the Club’s organisational strategy.