By Oliver Lees
A local sports caller is getting the chance to pursue her commentary dreams.
Cheryl Downes from Woodend has been announced as one of 15 participants in a Victorian government initiative encouraging female participation in sports broadcasting.
The Change Our Game Making The Call program will begin in late April, providing participants with tips and advice as well access to broadcasting mentors.
Downes, who has covered women’s soccer for over six years in a number of capacities, said she was looking forward to the opportunity.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to be selected for the Change our Game Making the Call program,” she said.
“My goal is to contribute to the positive visibility of women in sport, and through this program, I hope to further develop my skills to enable this.”
The program first ran in November 2020, with a number of graduates already working in professional roles within the industry. This includes Brihony Dawson who co-hosted the AFLW Grand Final TV show on Channel 31 and worked as a boundary commentator at the AFLW grand final in Adelaide.
Acting premier James Merlino said it is important to have women’s voices in sport.
“All-women sporting teams are participating at the highest level of some of our national competitions, and it’s time we see more women in the commentary boxes,” Mr Merlino said.
As well as serving as co-founding the women’s football news site Beyond 90, Downes also serves as editor-in-chief of The Women’s Game.
Downes is also a host on Beyond 90’s Beyond The Pod podcast.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said she was looking forward to seeing Downes put the skills she learns from the program into practice.
“It’s fantastic to see Victorian women like Cheryl pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and I’m eager to see what she achieves behind the mic,” she said.
Participants will have access to advice from a number of experienced commentators and journalists including Kelli Underwood, Andy Maher, Daisy Pearce and Megan Hustwaite.
The program is facilitated by the co-creators of the award-winning podcast Outer Sanctum, an all-female series covering everything footy.
For more information on the Change Our Game Making The Call program visit www.changeourgame.vic.gov.au
