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At just 27 years of age, Ash Steinke has contributed more to her local sporting club than most.
Ash's love for the Cooma Stallions has seen her become the youngest president in the club's history and one of the youngest in any country footy organisation.
For those who have watched Ash progress through the junior ranks and onto the committee when she was only 15, it comes as little surprise she is now running the club.
Ash has been a leader in the Cooma Fillies team for a number of years and served on the committee for 12 years. She has filled the secretary role, social media officer and has also served on the Group 16 committee.
But now, she is ready for her greatest challenge.
"Becoming the president is such an honour, I have big shoes to fill from presidents of past," Ash said.
"I love our club, particularly the community aspect of it. From the current players to former players and all the sponsors and supporters, there's a lot of love for the Stallions."
Ash has taken over the presidency from Stallions stalwart, Todd Williams. She praised Todd's effort over a number of years and said she is ready to lead the club into another season.
"Jason Kelly (Stallions life member and current first grade coach) suggested to me one night back at the Cooma Bowling Club that I should nominate for the role," Ash said.
"At last week's AGM, he nominated me. When someone with his impressive resume puts you forward it's hard to say no."
Ash leads the youngest executive committee the club has had. Riley Casey has taken on the vice-president role, Chloe Trevanion is treasurer and Maddie Banks is assistant-treasurer. All are about 30 years of age, and are excited to lead the club into a new era.
"We had a great turnout at the AGM, there were at least 25 people, many current players. We said farewell to some real club legends who stepped down, and now it's our chance to show them what we can achieve for the Stallions."
Her first item on the to-do-list is a motion to Group 16 to expand the ladies tackle to a full field. Last season, ladies tackle was a 11-aside format on a smaller field.
"The ladies tackle is growing so quickly it's time to play full field, whether that's with 11 or 13 players," Ash said.
"I really hope it's supported, it's the only way to grow the game."

