Arncliffe Aurora host successful Female Football evening

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Football St George club Arncliffe Aurora recently hosted a successful Female Football activation evening as Sydney FC’s W-League defender and two two-time Westfield W-League Championship and Premiership winner Ellie Brush was a special guest at Arncliffe Park for a meet and greet.

The former Matilda was joined by Football St George’s first female Chair Irene Hatzipetros and Football St George Technical Director Brian Dene.

The Sydney FC star defender shared her football journey with the girls and answered questions from aspiring female footballers as well as posing for photos and signing posters.

“It was an excellent turn out at Arncliffe Park for a celebration of Football NSW’s Female Football Week,” said Arncliffe Aurora’s President and former Socceroo Paul Degney.

“It coincided nicely with the club’s 30-year anniversary and ten very successful years in women’s football by the Club.

“Our female numbers have grown greatly, and it is a vital part of our community involvement.”

Celebrating ten-years of female football after its first female side was established in 2012 by Advisory Committee member Hussein Saab, the club has gone from strength to strength as women’s participation numbers have increased ten-fold.

Over 150 female footballers have registered for the 2021 grassroots season across 16 teams ranging from Under 6’s to Premier League Women’s bringing up Aurora’s female participation to 30% across the club.

“Over the past few months Arncliffe Aurora has been committed to growing its female engagement, successfully achieving a participation rate above the local and national average,” said Arncliffe Aurora’s Committee Member and event organiser Jessie Nguyen.

“It’s very timely that we’ve reached our goal of 30% female participation for our 30th anniversary.

“The girls really enjoyed meeting and chatting with an elite football player like Ellie.

“She was fantastic and very generous with her time, sharing her story and providing advice to the next generation of female football superstars.”

While Hatzipetros praised Aurora’s commitment to the Women’s game.

“Female Football Week is a state-wide Football NSW initiative that provides an opportunity to celebrate the immense growth of women’s football and the important role women play in developing football.

“The growth of female participation in the local area has increased to 25% and it is encouraging to see Arncliffe Aurora FC and other grassroots clubs embrace Female Football Week and who continue to drive female football participation.”