Sydney’s recently transformed Manly Pacific hotel is getting behind women’s sports in the community with the launch of a new donation program.
The hotel will donate funds and offer complimentary food and beverage allowances to local teams including Manly United Football Club, Manly Mermaids Rugby Team, Manly Warringah Cricket Team, Manly Warringah Netball Association, Northern Beaches Volleyball Association, and Warringah Rugby Club.
“Our hotel’s focus revolves around our community, and this is just the start of helping cultivate an ecosystem of support for female athletes and we encourage other local businesses to do the same,” said Manly Pacific General Manager, Dylan Cole.
Local Matildas’ player Remy Siemsen, who started her football career at the age of four with Belrose Terrey Hills before joining Manly United Football Club at the age of nine, is now a professional player for Leicester City in the English Women’s Super League.
Siemsen recalls there being “unequal access to changing rooms, toilets, equipment, and programs that were readily available to the boys” when she was growing up.
“Without community and local business support, the divide between resources for boys and girls widens and that inclusiveness can be achieved through a more level playing field,” she said.
“When local children and adults recognise businesses that are for sport and supporting our passions it reinforces the importance of sports in our community.”
“Places like Manly Pacific, through their generosity, provide resources to promote and encourage participation in sports and this in turn enables more local kids to access sports and pathways to grow and develop in their passions.”
Complimentary food and beverage allowances will give teams access to the multiple cuisines on offer at the hotel including the Japanese fusion restaurant, Tokyo Joe, and the award-winning Bistro Manly, offering French cuisine.