“Ingrid is one that makes things happen at Yass FC.” That statement from Edward Ally, Vice-President of Yass Football club, also known as the Redbacks, pretty much sums up Ingrid Davis and what she means to the town and the community.
As someone who wears many masks at the club it’s often Davis that can be found sorting out the problems on match days. For example, she is the current standing club president, women’s team coach and player, as well as assisting with media, merchandise, referees and providing an invaluable link with Capital Football.
“Ingrid arranges the use of the local grounds with council, ensures the smooth running of Saturday games, as well as arranging training sessions and coaching the Yass FC women’s teams whilst also being a player,” Ally revealed.
“There are just too many things Ingrid does to list and I’m quite sure there is a lot more behind the scenes that most people don’t even know about. There seems to be no challenge to great for her. Without her ability to multitask and great organisation skills things would not run as smoothly as they do.”
Davis’ affiliation with Yass began back in 2009 via chance, she was working with the President’s wife and, one phone call later, her life would change and her long association with the Redbacks would begin.
And it was through these early relationships that Davis began to realise the influence that the wonderful sport of football can have on youngsters, in particular young females who are often searching for positive role models.
“At that stage I hadn’t played in years, and I turned up to the first training session to find out that I was the new Coach as well!” Davis recalled. “My oldest daughter was turning seven that year, so she started that year also. I’ve been on the committee and playing and coaching ever since.
“One of the first things I took away from that first year was the women that I was playing with were from all ages but such positive role models that I wanted for my daughters. I have worked with female coaches, referees, and players at all levels that bring so much to the game and have taught me so much not just about the game but have had a positive impact on my life.
“I also think it’s important for females of any age to be involved. Being a ‘football mum’ doesn’t mean just helping in the canteen anymore, the joy I get from seeing women do something that is for themselves and in a positive social environment that keeps them coming back.
“Here at Yass all our junior female players play in “opens” rather than girls’ teams and we try and teach all players and officials to respect players irrespective of gender.”
After over a decade of service to the football community of Yass, the thought of packing it in has crossed Davis’ mind once or twice, mainly because of the long hours that are involved in helping the club aspire to be everything it can be. But it’s the love of the club, and the game, that keeps her ticking along.
“My current aim is just to keep playing as long as I can,” Davis said. “Both my daughters have moved to Canberra clubs, so I don’t have juniors playing anymore and for the first time in a while I’m not coaching a junior team as well.
“Like all community clubs we are desperate for volunteers, and some years can take a toll on you. I do love the football community and can watch games all day but watching players grow up and continue to play is big reward.”
With her children very much a part of football, continuing their burgeoning passion for the game in the national capital, Davis id effusive in her praise of the game and is encouraging of all to take part in the World game.
“I started playing when I was about eleven and back then it was a bit of a novelty for a girl to play,” she said.
“Regardless of your skill or ability, just giving it a go is the most important thing. I rarely pay attention to the score, and I’m well known for never knowing the result at the end of the game. For me, it’s always 0-0 and there is always next week and another game!”