England Lacrosse National Performance & Talent Development Manager, Jane Powell, has been appointed as one of four member representatives on the new World Lacrosse Women in Sport Commission.
The Commission, which is expected to begin its work in January 2021, will form part of a global Women in Sport Advisory Commission for World Lacrosse, participating in “strategy and policy development, and taking the lead for specific projects and communications with an aim of positioning World Lacrosse as a champion for women in lacrosse”.
Jane will meet with the other members on the Commission four times a year to help explore ways of reaching all the member nations to set up projects and programmes to develop and support women’s lacrosse growth.
Jane, who has been working for England Lacrosse for seven years, has had an illustrious sporting career and has always been at the forefront of the drive to encourage women to get into sport.
In her previous role as Head of Coaching with England Hockey, Jane was a key driver of their Field Hockey Talent Programme and, since 2013, has transformed the England Lacrosse Talent Pathway, now engaging with over 800 girls from all over the country.
The World Lacrosse Women in Sport Commission was set-up earlier this year to acknowledge that “every woman has the ability - and the fundamental human right - to participate in our sport”.
It will work on improving three main aspects of lacrosse:
Diversity: “the different characteristics of people who make up our women’s community. Diversity is the strength of our lacrosse community with all 67 current members across five continents”.
Inclusion: “what we will do to ensure our diverse women’s lacrosse community is reflected effectively in all areas of our sport”.
Opportunity: “what we provide to improve with creativity and encourage members of our global women’s lacrosse community who are currently under-represented to feel welcome, included and that their voice is heard”.
A former England cricket captain and head coach with over 50 years’ experience within the world of sport, Jane believes she has the depth of experience that can contribute positively to the Commission.
“Over those 50 years, I have seen changes in the way women have been engaged and supported and, whilst there has been some movement, there is still a long way to go until parity is achieved,” Jane remarked upon hearing of her appointment to the Commission.
“I have played, coached, and led sport across a number of different sports and different countries, coaching in England, India, Iran, and Australia; each of those countries shows different responses to women playing sport and it has enhanced my knowledge and understanding.”
“Because of my own background as an educationalist and coach I have been fortunate to have contributed to the development of programmes for young girls and subsequently national teams and believe I have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in my new role and encourage more women and girls around the world to get involved with lacrosse.”
Jane won’t be the only English representative on the Commission, however, as World Lacrosse President, Sue Redfern, newly elected World Lacrosse Finance & Governance Director, Sallie Barker, and England Lacrosse Official Stephen Taylor will take up the role of Chair, World Lacrosse Board Appointee, and Commission Administrator respectively.
England Lacrosse wish Jane, Sue, Sallie, and Stephen all the best in their new roles on the Commission.