A School Mum Who Said Yes
Photo credit - Nikki Long
Elise Mee, President Ulverstone SC
Ulverstone, before Elise
Ulverstone Soccer Club turns 65 this year.
Many people in the South will not know much about them but on the North West Coast the club has been part of community life for generations.
Football in Ulverstone was being played as early as 1913, long before the modern club was formed. The official Ulverstone Soccer Club began in 1961, built by families who wanted football for their children and a place to gather on winter Saturdays.
The club grew slowly.
Through volunteers. Through school teams. Through brothers who played, then coached, then watched their children play. Through people who stayed.
They won a State Championship in 1986. They took Northern Premierships in 1994 and 1995. Players came and went. Generations passed through the Ulverstone Showgrounds.
Now, 65 years later, Ulverstone is stepping into the NPL.
And the President leading them there began as a school soccer mum.
Where football began
For Elise Mee, football started with family.
Two of her three brothers played for Ulverstone and North West representative teams from a young age. Later she stood on the sideline herself, as a school soccer mum.
She never imagined she would be President.
“Absolutely not.”
But during the years coaching her son Zac in juniors and youth, she saw parts of the club that needed work.
Instead of whinging, she got involved, to make a difference for their kids.
That is how most club leaders begin.
Family football
Her husband Jarrod and her son Zac are part of the journey.
“All of the above at times,” she says when asked if her family are proud, exhausted, supportive.
Jarrod and Elise share a common purpose, helping players reach their dreams and feel safe and supported along their journey. Even when there is soccer six days a week, she says she is very supported by the whole family.
There is one rule if she can manage it.
At least one night, no soccer talk.
The work behind the title
Working a full-time job and the role she has with the club takes the majority of her time.
“This past year including the off season has been next level,” she says.
She is grateful to work alongside incredible people, and she leans on Jarrod, Zac, Vice President Sam and other committee members when the role feels heavy.
There have been days that tested her.
But the positives outweigh the negatives.
If someone thinks being President is sitting in the grandstand, her answer is simple.
“Spend a week in my shoes.”
Quiet leadership
Elise did not even realise she was the only female President in the NPL competition until it was pointed out.
“I had no idea. I was honoured to join you.”
When asked about misogyny, subtle or overt, she answered calmly.
“Yes. Give them space to say what they need and I respond in a positive manner that upholds the values of our Club. Respect grows by also giving respect.”
No fuss.
Just values lived quietly.
Stepping into the NPL
The season has not yet started, and the in-between moment feels busy and exciting.
“Crazy busy, exciting, sleepless nights making sure we have covered all aspects and have an action plan in place.”
What excites her most is giving Ulverstone and its players the opportunity at the highest level.
“Putting Ulverstone on the map.”
Ulverstone’s move into the State League NPL comes with the expansion to ten teams.
There will be a North West derby with Devonport, a proper coastal rivalry and longer road trips for southern clubs who will now see a little more of the North West highway.
Exciting times for the coastal town, and a proud moment for a club turning 65.
What keeps her awake?
“Where do I start. Notes in my phone get a work out.”
Every President understands that list of worries.
Funding is one of the hardest parts of leading a regional club, though she says Ulverstone has been well supported by Council and sponsors who make a positive difference.
Culture first
Safeguarding and club culture have been strong themes under her leadership.
“I strongly believe that every person that steps into our Club has the right to feel safe, included, treated with respect and have a positive experience. We want to be the positive in someone’s world.”
When asked what decision she is most proud of, even if people would not notice, she struggles to choose.
“There is so much that has grown over the past three years. Our club culture from school soccer right through to the NPL team.”
That is the quiet work that holds clubs together.
The first NPL match
When Ulverstone walks out for its first NPL match, Elise hopes she will be standing at the players’ race.
“With sooo much pride in our club journey. Then I’d like to have a wine, calm the nerves and cheer the boys on.”
Not in the boardroom.
At the race.
Where volunteers stand.
Ten years from now
She does not want praise.
“I hope people look back and loved being part of what we have created, a home away from home. Also, she encouraged me, she knew my name, she cared.”
That is the measure of leadership in community football.
Belonging.
A quiet truth
I do not know how many Presidents meetings Elise has already sat through.
What I do know is how rare it still is to see women in those chairs.
It matters that she is there.
Not loudly. Not dramatically.
Just by being present, carrying the story of her club.
That is how football changes.