Murwillumbah FC’s first female president eyes new future

MURWILLUMBAH Football Club’s first female president is looking to build on the club’s strong community roots while creating new opportunities for players both on and off the field.

Just three months into the role, Jessica Lee is focused on strengthening inclusion, connection and player development across the club.

The president, whose connection with the club dates back to 2014, said football had reminded her of the value of belonging to a team.

“My first connection with MFC was actually through the social six-a-side competition back in 2014,” Lee said.

“I joined for a bit of fitness and quickly realised I loved the feeling of belonging to a team again.”

Her involvement with Murwillumbah FC deepened in 2024 when she joined the senior women’s team.

“I had never played competitive football before, so it was extremely nerve-racking,” she said.

“As a mum of Bodhi (11) and Rylee (9), who also play, it was probably the first time in a very long time that I found something just for me and felt that real sense of belonging again.”

The experience reinforced what she believes is one of grassroots sport’s greatest strengths.

“The experienced players who had played their whole lives supported me, taught me and never made me feel like I was letting the team down,” she said.

“I consider them all family now.”

Lee said the decision to seek the presidency came after a period of personal loss and reflection.

“When my dad passed away by suicide at the end of last year, it completely shifted my perspective on life,” she said.

“Losing someone in that way makes you realise how important community, connection and having people around you truly is.

“It made me stop waiting for the right time or assuming someone else would create change.

“I realised that if I cared about something and believed I could help, then maybe I needed to step forward.”

That belief in connection now underpins her vision for the club.

“A football club is so much bigger than what happens on the field,” she said.

“It has the ability to create connection and belonging across an entire community.”

The philosophy is also shaping the club’s approach to player development.

 

Last week specialist coach Ryan Meskell delivered a Goalkeeping Development Day aimed at helping young players build skills and confidence.

Meskell said specialist coaching was particularly important for young goalkeepers and praised the club’s commitment to player development.

“Bringing coaches like Ryan to Murwillumbah FC represents a bigger vision of creating ongoing connections with specialist coaches and people who can inspire our players,” Lee said.

“For me, development is about more than just improving football skills.

“Yes, we want to provide opportunities for players who want to push themselves to a higher level, but we also want to develop confidence, resilience and a love of the game.”

Lee said Murwillumbah FC’s greatest strength was its sense of community.

“Gold Coast clubs naturally have access to larger populations and resources, but Murwillumbah FC has something incredibly special, heart, passion and connection,” she said.

“We have mothers and daughters playing together, siblings, generations of families and people who genuinely know and support each other.”

She said this season alone the club had expanded from one female coach and two all-girls teams to three female coaches and four all-girls teams.

When asked what it meant to become the club’s first female president, Lee said she felt honoured by the opportunity.

“When I was voted in as President I felt honoured and motivated,” she said.

“The fact football leadership has traditionally been male never made me hesitate.

“I’ve always believed every person should be seen as an equal and judged by what they bring, not their gender.”