Mini-Matildas Day success at Wagga

The continual promotion and the constant growth of the women’s game was highly evident at a recent Mini-Matildas Day that took place in Wagga Wagga recently as over 350 primary school girls from nine different schools from around the region took part in a fun filled day that also included a special visit from a former Matildas star.

Conolly Park was the venue high on football fever as the day was designed to give all girls exposure to football in the hope some may then be interested in pursuing it with a club team within the area next winter.

One such personality that made the day more enjoyable for the girls was former Matildas and W-League star Sally Shipard.

The Wagga born superstar shared her experiences with the girls as she spoke about the dedication and hard work that she endured during her time as a footballer which saw her win 62 caps for Australia that included two World Cup campaigns as well as being part of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup winning side.

Shipard was an instant hit with the girls having posed for photos as well as signing autographs in a great initiative shown spreading football to regional areas.

Football Wagga Development Officer Liam Dedini was delighted with the show of numbers in further pushing the envelope that the women’s game is certainly on the rise not just in the metro areas of NSW but regionals also.

"It was great to see so many girls participating and enjoying the game, especially seeing the girls who had never played before running around having lots of fun".