Claire Brown with her friend and co-coach Isabel Hayes. Photo by Troy Brown
By Troy Brown
The Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) held their statewide Junior Football and Netball Carnival in Bendigo in September.
Once again Bairnsdale Regional Unlimited Sports (BRUS) took teams up to compete, and along with the players there were also the coaches.
In this inspiring story, a young girl who has participated in the annual football and netball carnival throughout her life takes on a new role as the coach of her team.
The story follows Claire Brown, an 18-year-old proud GunaiKurnai woman who has participated in the annual carnival since the under 10s.
Alongside her she also had her cousin, Isabel Hayes, co-coaching with her.
Isabel came all the way from Perth to be by Claire’s side.
This year marks a significant transition for her, showcasing her growth and leadership as she guided her teammates, blending her passion for the game with newfound responsibilities.
Claire’s journey reflects her deep connection to her cultural heritage and her passion for empowering her teammates on and off the court.
Previously, both of these young women had competed together in the same tournament last year.
And both came out victorious, with Claire also winning MVP for the carnival.
Claire has been amazing at sports growing up, with great role models such as her mother and father pushing her to be the best she could be.
Claire also won Best and Fairest for the Lindenow Cats A grade team this year.
So, there’s no question as to why she got asked to coach.
“I wanted to coach this year because going from winning the grand final last year I wanted to help develop the younger girls,” Claire said. “I built a stronger connection with the girls and learnt more about them.”
As the carnival came to a close, Claire reflected on the experience and knew she wanted to continue coaching in the future.
“The joy of empowering young Indigenous girls and the camaraderie of being part of a team has been so great to be a part of,” she says.
Claire is eager to return next year, ready to share new strategies and foster even deeper connections with her players.
She is setting a great example of what it means to be a leader.
With her dedication and love for the sport, there’s no doubt that Claire will make a lasting impact on and off the court for years to come.
Keep on shining Claire.