Webster flying the female flag in Canterbury

For players to develop and improve, good coaches are a must and Alissa Webster is one that hopes to help further enhance girls into footballers while enjoying the game they love to play.
Currently sitting on the Canterbury and Districts Soccer Football Association’s Committee for female football, she is involved actively across the sport she loves.
“I’m involved in the Sporting Schools Program as a Football coach and I also coach the junior first grade team at MLC School, run a football program at Marrickville PCYC and manage the Football NSW U17 NTC and U16 Girls teams.”
Coaching is obviously an important part of her involvement within football, as well as picking up badges as Webster looks to enhance her knowledge on the tactical side of the game.
“I have obtained all my community coaching course certificates and my C-License. This year I’m hoping to attend a B-Licence course.”
Within her busy schedule, Webster has not considered slowing down, in fact, she has new plans brewing on how to educate new coaches and girls further about the game.
“I’m also hoping to get more involved in running Community Coaching Courses.
“I think woman and girls sometimes feel less intimidated on a course with other females that’s being presented by a female.
“I’d like to think I’m recognized for having a growth mindset and for my drive, commitment and unrelenting dedication and enthusiasm for growing female participation at all levels of the game.”
Webster is looking forward to Female Football Week especially with the news that the Matildas qualified for the Rio Olympics later this year.
“Female Football Week is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the game and female participation recognized and encouraged.”
The busy coach hopes that other females can take a leap from her book and join her in the dugouts.
“As a female coach moving through the professional pathway I still feel like a bit of a rare breed.
“Especially since I’ve never played at an elite level. But hey, I’ve come to realize, I understand the game and the vision for Football in Australia.”
The rise of women’s roles within football has also encouraged and pleased Webster as vast improvements have been noted over recent years.
“There has been quite a rapid turn around in the last few years.
“It’s wonderful to see female Presidents at local clubs and on Executive Committees at Associations, and as coaches, managers and referees.
“I think women bring a different style. 
“There are plenty of opportunities available you just need to go for it and be prepared to apply yourself.”
Webster is excited for the year ahead and is eagerly anticipating the beginning of the season.
“I can’t wait this is going to be an awesome year for females in Football.”

-By Nikola Pozder