Empowering Women Through Sport: The Rise of GIANT WINGS

Within the GIANTS community, a powerful movement is taking shape, driven by a dedicated team of passionate business leaders. In 2023, an initiative spearheaded by GIANTS Board Director Chris Larsen aimed to increase women’s representation within the club. This visionary endeavor culminated in the birth of the GIANT WINGS, a new Coterie focused on empowering women in sports.

Understanding Coteries: A Foundation of Support

Originally, coteries were designed to provide much-needed support to players, especially those who were not professional athletes. These focused on offering employment, financial assistance, and building essential social connections. Over time, their functions have evolved to include mentorship, networking, and facilitating professional opportunities such as internships and work experience. As the sporting landscape changes, so too does the role of these groups, highlighting the diverse needs of athletes both on and off the field.

Launch of GIANT WINGS: A Commitment to Change

The GIANT WINGS Coterie, co-founded by Simone Mears and Jill Bunting, was officially launched in 2024. Mears, reflecting on their mission, states, “Our members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, but what unites us is our shared purpose: to support women and girls’ activation and participation in sport within the GIANTS Club and the broader sporting community.”

Their combined decades of experience in Financial Services serve as a robust foundation for the Coterie’s goals. Mears and Bunting are committed to harnessing their professional networks to uplift female athletes, especially in planning for life beyond their playing careers. Bunting’s own career transition from an ICU Nurse to C-Suite operations serves as a case study in successful career pivots, while Mears excels in advising individuals on career paths in the financial sector.

The Inspiration Behind GIANT WINGS

Bunting’s passion for the club was ignited at a fundraiser, where she witnessed first-hand the incredible grassroots work being done in Greater Western Sydney. “As a proud Sydney resident hailing from America, I was inspired by the passion, commitment, and sense of service I saw demonstrated by the Club and the individuals I spoke to,” Bunting shared. This moment solidified her desire to take action, leading to the establishment of GIANT WINGS.

Unique Opportunities for Empowerment

GIANT WINGS offers its members a unique opportunity to blend their love for sports with a commitment to social impact. Mears describes the involvement of members in various initiatives, saying, “We have members involved in coaching programs, fundraising for the GIANTS Foundation, and delivering multiple other programs within the Club community. Because we all have different skills, interests, and experiences, we each contribute in our unique ways.”

In July, Mears led a development program for the GIANTS AFLW players, supported by volunteers from her financial services recruitment company, Profusion Group. During this program, training sessions focused on interview coaching, resume writing, and optimizing LinkedIn profiles—skills crucial for athlete transitions.

A Vision for the Future

“This is just the beginning. The Club is committed to supporting player development and career pathways post-football,” Mears emphasized. The Coterie has the potential to make a substantial and enduring contribution to these goals. According to Bunting, establishing a strong team of business leaders has been crucial in the initial year of the Coterie’s activities.

“What makes GIANT WINGS special is the collective energy,” she stated. “We’re not just supporters—we’re strategists, mentors, and changemakers. We’ve hosted forums on mentoring, support grassroots programs, and are actively connecting leaders between business and sport, aiming to expand our reach further into Greater Western Sydney. Each initiative reflects what happens when passionate individuals unite.”

An Open Invitation

As GIANT WINGS continues to flourish, the founders are eager to extend an invitation for others to join this impactful movement. Bunting asserts, “Whether you’re in business, sport, or simply passionate about creating a better future for women, there’s a place for you here. Together, we can amplify our impact and keep pushing boundaries.”

With Mears’ expertise in career advising and Bunting’s insights on career pivots, both the Coterie and the broader community are poised for meaningful progress. To learn more about becoming part of the GIANTS WINGS Coterie, interested individuals can visit the GIANTS Coteries page and explore how they can contribute to a legacy rooted in leadership, inclusion, and community empowerment.