City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts passionate in support of local footy

Widely experienced in local government, Mrs Roberts is an active member of the community and maintains a strong focus on economic development, lifestyle impact and choices for the 180,000 residents of the City of Wanneroo, one of the fastest growing local governments in Australia.

Due to her heavy English accent, Mrs Roberts is often misrepresented in the community as a lover of soccer, but this could not be further from the truth.

She is a staunch supporter of local sport and recreation and has been a long-time passionate supporter of local Australian Rules football junior, senior and veterans clubs.

Q&A with Tracey Place of Birth: Manchester, England Time in Australia: We moved here in 1984 Current role in football: I currently sit on the West Perth District Football Development Council in the role of local government advisor helping shape the future growth of community football in Perth’s northern corridor. I am also vice-patron both the Subiaco and West Perth football clubs and am super excited to be the No. 1 Ticket Holder of the Butler Falcons – Australia’s first multicultural female football team. These girls are exceptional. I also passionately support local City of Wanneroo junior and senior clubs and get involved as much as possible. What sports did you grow up with? Football (soccer), rugby (Dad played rugby) and cricket. We were a very sporting family. My grandfather was a professional football (soccer) player, so good he was exempt from the war (but was determined to follow his brothers into the army). My uncle and cousin both played football professionally and my nephew is currently in the Manchester United Youth Squad. Rumour File: Mrs Roberts has strong family links to the Beckhams and on a recent trip to the UK, she sent West Perth junior footballs across for David’s kids. Why do you love football (AFL)? It is just so exciting and great to watch. Football is the most engaging game and I feel like I am in the game with the players. I live and breathe it – everything happens so fast and it’s energetic. Football is a very strong and important part of our community. It teaches kids the value of a team, sportsmanship, leadership and community values. My role with the Butler Falcons highlights football’s importance. I love what these girls have achieved and many have been through horrific experiences in the past. As their No. 1 ticket holder I attend their training and watch their games. They inspire me. What AFL Club do you support? I am a staunch West Coast Eagles supporter and backed the Eagles long before the Dockers formed. Saying this I support WA and will support the Dockers when the Eagles are not playing.