The winds of change are sweeping the nation and the Mittagong Lions want in with the club committing to increasing female participation at all levels.
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Ahead of the Lions' annual Mother's Day raffle on Sunday, Seniors President Matt Aiken said he wanted to continue seeing women occupy positions at every level of the club.
"Our women volunteers are recognised and appreciated," Aiken said.
"Our club would not be the success it is today without women, be that as players, administrators or volunteers. My hope is to get more women involved across the board, and work towards eliminating the 'glass ceiling.'
"With the [female] players it's just not about their physical on-field efforts, it's about the diversity of opinions and viewpoints that they bring to the club that makes our club's environment richer."
A traditionally male-dominated sport, female participation in rugby league has skyrocketed in the last decade, helped along by the formation of the NRL Women's competition in 2018 as well as the success of the Jillaroos at international level.
The Lions aren't just talking the talk either with the club boasting three separate women's sides.
While this has given the yearly Mother's Day celebrations a different edge, the day remains a 'thank you' to mothers and the club has pulled out all the stops after on-field festivities were cancelled last year.
"We are turning on a special day for all the Mums who attend. What better way to spend Mother's Day than at the footy?" Aiken said.
"We had a huge response from our Mother's Day raffle last year during Covid-19. There were no games on the day obviously but the generous sponsors and the community who supported us with this raffle we will be forever grateful for.
"The day is proudly sponsored by Castle Kingdom who have generously donated two jumping castles which we are all very grateful for. We will have a gorgeous ground raffle donated by Flower Flower as well.
"We will also hand out a free raffle ticket to all the Mums who attend the games on Mother's Day to go into a draw for a chance to win a couple of amazing prizes, vouchers from the Royal Hotel Bowral and Siva Beauty and Hair.
"On top of this, all Mum's who attend our post match function at the Highlands Hotel with their game day program, sponsored by House of Tickets, will get a glass of bubbly and a flower plus 10% off their meal purchase."
The women's side are in action away to Camden Rams on Sunday at 11:45am in a top-of-the-table clash.
You can then head back to Mittagong Sportsground to watch the first grade men's side take on South West Goanas.
The Lions defeated Picton Magpies 28-14 in a hugely impressive away victory last Sunday, 2 May and sit in third position on the Group 6 ladder.
Camden Rams vs Mittagong Lions - Group 6 WRL Round 4
Sunday, 9 May @ 11:45am
Kirkham Park
Mittagong Lions vs South West Goanas - Group 6 Round 4
Sunday, 9 May @ 2:30pm
Mittagong Sportsground
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