Female Football Week hailed a success
The inaugural national Female Football Week has wrapped up after a jam-packed program of events and clinics for women of all ages that coincided with International Women’s Day.
The week went above and beyond its goals of promoting the opportunities available to female footballers, celebrating the immense growth of the women’s game and recognising existing players, coaches’ referees and administrators responsible for this success.
Some highlights of the week included the South Districts Skill Session for girls U10-U12 held on Monday. The session was run by Sydney FC W-League players Sham Khamos and Teigan Allen, the young stars taking charge of over 50 girls who attended from across the Southern Districts Association area. The event was overseen by former W-league player Catherine Cannuli.
The night concluded with two lucky participants each receiving a signed football from the Sydney FC stars, and was a night enjoyed by all
Tuesday saw Ramsgate RSL Soccer Club host the new AIA Vitality MiniRoos for Girls (M4G) program for beginners aged 4 to 9.
A surprise appearance from Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias and forward Amy Harrison created much excitement for the young girls in attendance, with many now planning to attend some future W-League games.
On social media, parents were full of praise for the MiniRoos event and for the Sydney FC players
“We were so grateful for Theresa and Amy to give her time,” said Carla Trudgett. “Our daughter was so inspired by her visit. It’s so important for the girls to have great role models & to feel they can achieve their dreams.”
On Saturday, the Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) conducted a Girls-Only Skill Certificate Coaching Course at Charles Bean Oval in Sydney’s North Shore
Rani Cavarretta, NSFA’s Women’s Development Officer and Renee Rollason from Football NSW were the presenters for the day. The course was a great success with 14 keen females of all ages participating in a hands-on day of learning and coaching.
Across town, Valentine Sports Park hosted a Level 4 Referee Course for budding female officials. Football NSW Education Administrator Kelly Jones facilitated the event and said the girls were quick learners.
“They all had a fantastic time out there, they were excellent students. The number of female referees and officials in our game is definitely growing which is why days like these are so important.”
With the continuing success of the Westfield Matildas, it is hoped that 2016 will prove to be the biggest year yet for female participation in football.
Football NSW would like to thank all the Clubs and Associations that participated and supported Female Football Week.
VIEW THE FULL FEMALE FOOTBALL WEEK SCHEDULE
