As part of International Women’s Day and Female Football Week, we profile some of the Club’s female staff. Today we meet Rebecca May
What is your role at Melbourne City FC?
I am the Head of Partnerships. It is my role to work with all Club partners to ensure all contractual obligations and delivered and work with the partners to plan their activations to meet their marketing objectives. I also plan and oversee all corporate Club events.
What is it like to work in the football environment?
I really enjoy working in football. I grew up watching AFL and previously worked for an AFL Club, however after working in football for seven years, I am truly converted.
The opportunities available for our players and staff are incredible. I have had the privilege of spending time with my colleagues from Manchester City and New York City in the UK, Abu Dhabi, New York and most recently in China, where I spent two months working on the Manchester City ICC tour to Beijing and Shenzhen.
Melbourne City has great people, great facilities and a strong culture. Unlike many other professional sporting Clubs, we share the same facilities with the A-League and W-League players which has enabled us to build strong working relationships with the players and football department.
Why is it important to recognise the impact of women on football club’s at all levels?
I think everyone has their role within the Club, and everyone makes their own impact on the organisation, both in football and administration. 30% of the leadership team are senior female managers, who work across commercial, communications and community. This is a good acknowledgement of the roles we all play within the Club.
The International Women’s Day hashtag is #BeBoldForChange? What do you think that means to you?
From a Melbourne City perspective, I believe we have already been Bold For Change, and this hashtag is an acknowledgement of what we have accomplished and continue work on.
How important is it to recognise International Women’s Day?
I am proud to be working on the Club’s initiatives during the week of IWD and Female Football Week.
We are planning a range of activities across all departments, including community, corporate and football.
I believe the week will help everyone to recognise the role of women in sport for not just one week or day but day to day in our society. I am most looking forward to the volunteer afternoon at The Big Issue’s Street Soccer program at North Melbourne.
Who has been one of your mentors/inspirations to your career and why?
My parents have been very influential in developing me into the person that I am both personally and professionally. My father’s work ethic is admirable, and my mother’s leadership and ability to manage being a mother, wife, teacher and leader at her workplace is a true credit to the person she is.
Professionally, when I started working in Sydney I worked with two female managers. They were the complete opposite in personalities and working styles, however complimented each other brilliantly. I learnt so much from them and they influenced and developed my professionalism.
