Crowning glory for women kicking goals in Tasmanian football

THEY are the “Jules” in the crown of Tasmanian women’s football and it came as a complete surprise to Julie Kay and Julie Doran to win the top award.

Lauderdale Football Club president Julie Kay, left, and Hobart City board member Julie Doran have been named joint winners of the 2016 Tasmanian Football Woman of the Year award. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THEY are the “Jules” in the crown of Tasmanian women’s football and it came as a complete surprise to Julie Kay and Julie Doran to win the top award at Blundstone Arena yesterday.

It was fitting the inaugural Tasmanian Football Woman of the Year was a tie between two of the hardest-working and determined officers of the game.

Kay is president of TSL club Lauderdale and prides herself in doing the big-ticket items, such as signing senior coach Darren Winter to a new contract, before heading to the lunch, and cooking dinner for the players.

Doran is in her seventh year as president of North Hobart’s junior club and third as board member of the Hobart City Demons, and also cooks up feeds for the players.

“It’s a real honour to be named as winner with Julie,” Doran said.

“Women in football don’t get a lot of recognition so we’re honoured to blaze a trail.”

Kay is not the first woman to be president of a TSL club but is the only one at the moment.

The ink was barely dry on Winter’s new deal when she accepted the award.

“He’s a really good fit for our football club.” Kay said. “He develops our young players really well.”