The Power of Opportunity
Christine Glenn has been working at the Port Adelaide Football Club for over four years as part of the Power Community Ltd team. Now in her second year as Community Programs Team Leader, she leads the club’s First Nations programs and has played a key role in supporting her trainee, Ebony Noack, to grow into a confident and capable young leader within the team.
From the word go, she was shining bright. Ebony has this really friendly, bubbly personality, but what stood out most was her accountability and responsibility. Every task she takes on is done to such a high standard, she’s always across everything.
Ebony’s strong work ethic, combined with her creativity, quickly made her an integral part of the team.
I always tell Ebs to bring her ideas to the table and she’s helped us improve so many of our processes. She’s grown so much in the past year, she honestly blows me away with how on top of everything she is. I tell her she’s the glue to our program and I couldn’t run it without her!
For Christine, Ebony’s impact goes well beyond the office. Together, they travel regularly to schools and remote communities, running workshops and building relationships.
When young people see Ebony, they see someone just a few years older than them who is already working in this industry. It shows them that it’s possible. There are so many career paths in footy outside of being a player and Ebony embodies that pathway for other First Nations young people.
Ebony’s leadership has also been recognised at the highest levels. Last year, she was nominated alongside five other women from the club for the prestigious AFL Leadership Summit, joining a select group of emerging leaders from across the country.
Christine says Ebony’s success also reflects Port Adelaide’s strong commitment to First Nations inclusion.
When I first started, I was the only First Nations woman working in community here. Now we’ve got three in our team, as well as others across the club and in our AFLW program.
To see that growth during my time here makes me really proud. Port Adelaide has always valued and involved our First Nations community, both on the playing list and within the club itself. Having our Mob in these roles reassures community that we have a place here.
The introduction of a First Nations trainee was a deliberate step by the club to create pathways into the industry. Ebony was the first Trainee Christine managed through AFL SportsReady and the partnership has been impactful.
We gave Ebony every opportunity we possibly could because we wanted her to learn everything. It’s been amazing to build such a strong relationship with AFL SportsReady. Her Employment Coach, Craig and Mentor, Anzac, have honestly become part of the Port Adelaide family.
Looking back, Christine says Ebony’s journey is a reminder of the power of opportunity.
Sometimes we forget how powerful an opportunity really is.
From the moment Ebony started, we knew she was special. But to see her growth, leadership and now her recognition as Trainee of the Year, it’s been incredible. She’s not just part of our team, she’s helping shape the future of our program and the pathways for other young Mob who dream of working in footy.
The Warumilang Program is our dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program to assist First Nations peoples. With tailored employment and training pathways that aim to provide opportunities for First Nations peoples to thrive and be successful.
