A new era for the South West Football League is on the cards, after the board selected its first ever female general manager, Simone Nani, to fulfil the role from 2019.
Nani will take over from current general manager John Vidos, who is stepping down from the role after 15 years.
The new general manager has been involved in South West football for the past 18 years.
Among her efforts, she served as Carey Park Football Club’s secretary in 2015 and 2016.
“I have been around football in the South West for a very long time, ever since my husband (Bunbury Bulldogs’ coach Jamie Nani) finished up in East Perth and started playing down in Bunbury,” she said.
“I always really admired how the South West Football League operates, very professional overall.
“I was on the board of one of the local clubs for a couple of years, and realised the joys and struggles that come from being involved in a club and the South West league.
“John has been there for years, so I have got to get as much information from him as I can.”
As incoming general manager, Nani hopes to create new opportunities and bring a unique perspective to the competition.
“I really want to go in and see how everything works; get to know the delegates and presidents of the clubs so I can build relationships with them and understand what they are going through,” she said.
“The clubs will make decisions and we will support them.
“I feel being the first female general manager makes for a good change because the landscape of football is changing so much.
“I like to think that more women will apply for roles in the football community.”
Nani’s list of goals includes finding a way to expand the women’s competition from eight to ten teams.
Describing the league as a “community”, she said the board would strive help to keep all ten clubs “strong and financial” in the future.
“The South West league is so professionally run, and spread out so wide, that you meet so many people,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to really get involved in something that is worthwhile.”
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