Here come the girls! Doncaster Rovers Belles announced last night their all-female board for the 2016 season following the latest appointment of Joan Grogan.
High-profile lawyer Joan, who works in the legal department of a European development bank in London, has been appointed as the board’s Legal Director.
She joins Chairlady Faye Lygo, Alison Wells, Commercial Director, and Education and Welfare Officer Tracey Burbanks to make an all-female Belles board alongside Director of Football, Julie Chipchase.
Joan, a graduate of Belles sponsors BPP University (pictured above), said: “I’m delighted with this opportunity to join the board of the Belles. I want to help the club strengthen its core structure so that we are in the best possible position to build on the hard work of the current management and team and to realise the ambitious vision of Project Phoenix.
“There is a lot of discussion these days about the visibility of women in sport and on boards; both are areas in which, traditionally, women have not been prominent. The Belles are already blazing a trail on both counts, and I welcome the chance to contribute to the club’s innovative plans.”
On the appointment, Alison added: “Joan is a fantastic addition to our board. She brings with her experience, enthusiasm and a passion for the promotion of women’s football.
“As one of my ex-students at BPP University Law School, I am very proud to have her join our all-women team of directors.”
Andrew Isaacs, who was a key member of the board following the Belles’ ill-fated 2013 campaign, has stepped down from his previous role.
He added: “It has a great team on the pitch and off the pitch. I now feel I can leave the club as our original mission has been accomplished. I shall always support the Belles and am proud to still be a sponsor.”
Report courtesy of Doncaster Rovers Belles
