Michelle Cross has been a long-standing contributor to women’s football in the NSFA, occupying a seat on the Women’s and Girls’ Football Committee and previously serving as the Women’s Chair at North Sydney United.
Michelle made her first step into football when she was 11, in the Southern Districts Association.
“My younger brother played at the time,” she explains.
Michelle joined the NSFA in the early 2000’s (still known as the KDSA at the time) to continue playing and eventually took over as Women’s Chair at North Sydney United.
During her four years as Women’s Chair, Michelle became involved with the Women’s and Girls Football Committee, entering her sixth year as a committee member in 2017.
“It’s about being able to give back because without committee members and volunteers you don’t have competitions,” she says.
“You also learn a lot about working as a team being on committees, about the organisation of your sport and things that you don’t think of as a player.”
Michelle’s time in the game has coincided with the growth of women’s football, both across the country and within the northern suburbs region.
“When I started playing women’s football was in its infancy and it’s come a huge way in that time,” she says.
“It’s been great to be a part of all that, and to see the growth and development of players in the NSFA.
“You look at the Diamond League and it’s really exciting that the girls get the coaching and development that used to be only offered to boys.”
Despite her contributions to the sport, for Michelle, there’s always more to be done.
“It’s not always easy being on the committee, sometimes decisions are made that are contentious but is important to consider the long-term objective of growing girls and women’s football.”
“I’ve got a lot out of football over the years and it’s all about giving back.”