Bankstown District Amateur Football Association incentivises all-girl games

Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) is encouraging its clubs to go the extra mile to set-up all-girl teams for small-sided games in 2019.

There is a $50 rebate per player up for grabs for clubs which can successfully put together and register all-girl teams in the under-6 and under-7 competitions, with the aim of having all-girl competitions in those age groups starting this year.

Small-sided games are one of the first opportunities for younger players to enter the sport, starting from the under-6s.

Games are played on a small pitch in a 4v4 format on a 30m x 20m pitch.

This allows almost five times as many touches of the ball for players than in full-size 11v11 football and is seen as crucial to the development of all football players entering the game.

Some clubs within the association also offer ALDI MiniRoos programs, which are open to kids as young as four.

Association Director Dimitri Hursalas said it is hoped that the presence of all-girl competitions in these age groups will help to encourage even more girls to take up the sport after several years of strong growth for the association.

In 2018, the BDAFA boasted over 1,000 female players and the association hopes to better that in 2019.

The BDAFA is home to 21 clubs in the Bankstown region and boasted over 6,500 players in the 2018 season.

With competitions from the under-6s right through to the over-45s, there is a club, team and competition for everyone, no matter their age or ability.

Junior competitions go up to the age of under-18s, before moving into all age competitions, with over-age competitions starting from the over-35s.

Alternatively, interested players can contact the BDAFA offices on 9771 3322.

Visit www.bdafa.com.au/clubs for local club information and association news or look at the below advert and find your club in the Bankstown area today!