Amanda Dyer (née Hay) enjoyed sport so much in her time at St Hilda’s (1983-1987), she decided to make a career of it. She left school to attend Lincoln University, in the first intake of the Bachelor of Parks and Recreation Management.
“At St Hilda’s I was involved in a range of sport; gymnastics, tennis, life saving, and played hockey right throughout school and thoroughly enjoyed it all. I’m still playing hockey now, while living in a household of footballers, and I do enjoy a round of golf. I’m an advocate for the importance of an active life, and lifelong involvement in something fulfilling that brings people together for a common goal.”
Most of Amanda’s career has been in the sport and recreation industry in a variety of roles; programming, advisor, facility management, funding, and latterly, events and marketing. This has led her to work for a range of organisations including the YWCA, Christchurch City Council, University of Otago, Sport Otago, the Edgar Centre, and is now in a dream role at the Dunedin City Council. She’s also been an active volunteer in hockey, athletics, school sports in a range of roles, and bakes for Good Bitches Baking.
“As the Major and Premier Events Coordinator, I have had the privilege of being involved in two international events, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and now the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Dunedin was host city for three matches for the Cricket World Cup and will host six matches for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.”
Working with two international sporting organisations has been incredible and Amanda has enjoyed all the elements that go into bringing together a World Cup. “The level of detail and intensity is immense, and it’s been career-defining getting to work with people from across the world who have worked on many major events including America’s Cup, Olympics and other FIFA World Cups. The rewards are in bringing it all together in a spectacle for local and international visitors to enjoy.”
The part that Amanda enjoys the most though is the legacy for participation of girls and women in sport. “I just love seeing the young girls playing and enjoying their sport, getting stuck in, having fun, and enjoying the camaraderie of being in a team. That to me is the most important outcome that these tournaments bring to a city and a country. To provide opportunities not only for girls and women to play, but to lean in to roles in sport as officials, coaches, marketers and much, much more. I just don’t think most people realise how big the FIFA Women’s World Cup really is and what it will mean for our country and involvement in sport moving forward.”
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Dunedin will host six matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 21 July – 1 August. Tickets at www.FIFA.com/tickets