Ajax elect its first ever female President

AJAX have created history by appointing their first ever female President, Alida Lipton.

Lipton was elected President at the club’s recent AGM and having been a committee member for the past three years and holding the role as Vice President for one year, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

In addition to gaining experience through her roles at AJAX Football Club, Lipton has also held roles at the AJAX Swimming Club and has managed numerous teams overseas at the Maccabiah Games.
Lipton said she was excited about stepping into the new role. “I am looking forward to this new phase at the Club.” she told Shane Desiatnik of the AJN Newspaper.

“We have new rooms, new Head Coach, new Major Sponsor (Gary Peer & Associates), newly formed Committee and we have a vision to make this great Club even greater,” she said.

Alida takes over the role from outgoing President Ronnie Lewis who is now the clubs longest serving President.

Lewis was President for nine years where he has both overseen and been a key driver in cultivating a strong culture at the club. Lewis was also responsible for establishing AJAX’s first All Abilities team while also managing the expansion of the new club room facilities.

Lewis said he was proud of his achievements but will also greatly miss the role.

“Whilst I am sad to step off the Committee and my responsibilities with the Club which have been a huge part of my life, I will always be here supporting our players and Club. I am very proud of what I have achieved together with the many people I have worked with over the Past nine plus years.” he told the Ajax website.

The club has been in the spotlight in recent weeks as it proudly has Harry Sheezel, a member of the clubs junior program drafted into the AFL system to the Kangaroos.

The VAFA congratulates both Ronnie on his nine years of service to the club and Alida on her new appointment.