InStyle Australia – June 2017

AMNA

K A R R A-H A SSA N

SPORT

As a young Muslim woman from a traditional Lebanese family

in Western Sydney, Amna Karra-Hassan often questioned the

restrictions her culture placed on women, especially in sport.

“The boys would play touch footy and sometimes the girls could

join,” she says. “At some point an adult would say it’s too dangerous

and the girls would be removed from the game.”

Not one to conform, Karra-Hassan established the Auburn Tigers

women’s AFL team in 2011, with a squad of players who had little or

no on-field experience. “I remember lacing up my footy boots,” she

recalls, “there was more dirt than grass, [and] the opposition had

more height in their shortest player than our entire squad!” Without

funding or a coach, and with zero experience, the team was

applauded for their enthusiasm—but for Karra-Hassan, the Tigers

were about more than just footy. It was an opportunity for all women,

regardless of their cultural background, to come together and pursue

a new interest with confidence. Karra-Hassan says it’s been one of

the most rewarding experiences of her life, and that the club carries

a broader message of inclusion and empowerment: “The [team]

has a voice on identity, gender, diversity... and women in sport.”

The “work project” (words she used to describe the team to her

father) eventually grew—with more players, experience and support

from the community—and in 2015 the team was asked to partner

with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL franchise. It was

a defining moment that signalled how far they had come and

Karra-Hassan set to work mentoring younger players and planning

for the future: “ We adopted the brand and continued to grow the

club by building a pathway for youth girls from Under 12s

[through to] Under 18s,” she says. Despite early challenges, the

ambitious 28-year-old credits her optimistic outlook to the people

around her. “The support of other women has been a source

of strength and confidence that fuels my passion,” she says.

Long term, Karra-Hassan hopes to see more women represented

in all areas of the sport—“on boards, the executive level, on the field,

as administrators, fans and spectators”— and her vision holds

promise: in 2016 the Auburn Giants were promoted to the Premier

Division in Women’s Football in NSW. It was an outstanding

achievement after only five years in the game, and one which is helping

to reshape the perceptions of minority religions and challenge gender

stereotypes. “This club is an agent of change,” says Karra-Hassan. “We

know and own our story...[we want] to be more than [ just] media hype.”

So what’s next for this trailblazer from Sydney’s west? “[To] ensure

the Auburn Giants is a sustainable initiative and to support the talent

[in the team] to get drafted into the National Women’s League.”

Memorable moments: “To play at Spotless Stadium has been

epic and delivering a TedxYouth [talk] in Sydney was an honour.”

Personal style: “The way the world moves around you...be it barefoot

or [in] high heels, bold or quiet, assertive or vulnerable. Style is

owning it and being comfortable in our skin.” —YASMIN THOMAS

“WE HAVE A ROLE

TO PLAY IN CREATING

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

WOMEN IN SPORT”

Women of Style

JUNE 2017 In STYLE 81