From starting out as an intern, to earning multiple promotions within the Club, Community Operations Coordinator – Access and Opportunity Annie Lietzau has worked her way up at Collingwood. 

As part of Collingwood’s 2023 International Women's Day Staff Spotlight Series, we sat down with Annie where she shared her perspectives and experiences working in sport. 

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Collingwood Football Club; how did you get your start in the industry, and what led you to this role in particular?

Growing up, soccer was football for me, and from this I knew I wanted to be part of a high performance industry. I went to uni and completed a Bachelor of Sports Management. During my course I was lucky enough to be presented an internship opportunity in Collingwood’s Community department. After five months I was given a casual role working on community administration, school programs and community match days. A full-time role as a Community Program Officer was presented to me, which I grabbed with both hands.

In 2021 I was recognised and given a promotion to Community Operations Coordinator – Access and Opportunity, working on our education programs, player appearances, and any operational aspects in the community department. I’ve now been at Collingwood for five years and continue to grow.

Does your role have different objectives depending on the time of year? How does it change between traditional 9-5 to gameday?

My role does change based around times of year like most of us in sport, but with my role being based more around education, I do also work around the four traditional school terms but maintain a steady workload throughout the year.

What does it mean to you to work in a largely male-dominated industry? What are the biggest challenges and/or most rewarding aspects of your job?

It is important to me as it’s always been such a known thing that football clubs are male dominated, but I think I’ve been super lucky to come into Collingwood when I did.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to witness the growth in women’s sport but also seeing more females in those male-dominated roles not only at Collingwood but all sporting organisations. It’s quite comforting but also motivating to witness.

Thinking about the most rewarding aspects is hard, there have been so many rewarding moments I’ve been lucky to be a part of but if I had to pin it down to one… I think being a university student and getting my opportunity through an internship, working with our education program and supporting students get their own opportunity in the sporting world through my role is the most rewarding.

I’ve also been able to give back to my hometown through my job. I grew up in Latrobe Valley so having the Community Partnership with them, I have been able to help support my community from afar by providing access to professional athletes and spreading the Collingwood values throughout my work and personal life. It brings so much joy when you can put a smile on a child’s face when they get to meet their favourite player. It’s a full circle moment for me.

What does International Women's Day mean to you, and can you speak to how important it is for sporting organisations to recognise such days? 

I feel it is very important to recognise and acknowledge International Women’s Day, especially working within the sporting industry. As this was predominantly perceived as a male-dominated industry, it’s great to see the gender barriers beginning to breakdown within sport. In doing so, women feel as though they have a voice and their contributions are heard. Bridging the gap between gender equality is a positive step forward for women, especially within the sporting industry.

What advice would you give to your younger self, or to any other women looking to break into this industry?

I look back and reflect on how lucky I was with the opportunities and connections I had with people to get to where I am now. My advice for my younger self or anyone that wants to get into sport, is to take advantage of any opportunity you get! Whether it’s volunteering or paid work, no matter how big or small, it’s a start. Put your best foot forward with those opportunities and you will grow!

One quote that has stuck with me in my career journey is “Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow” – Caroline Myss.