THE PLAYERS from the Talented Female Program brought enthusiasm and excitement to Female Football Week on the North Coast.
Despite a weather-impacted start to the season, the mood has been upbeat whenever boots have met turf, with smiles all around as female football continues its rise in the region.
North Coast Football Competition Administrator Becky Wilson provided insights into the growth of female football.
“Almost 2000 females signed up to play football on the North Coast this year, which is one third of all registrations,” she said, “and the numbers back it up”.
“That’s from Under-6s right through to Masters for players over 31.”
It’s a seismic shift from when Wilson first laced-up the boots.
“When I played as a junior, girls had to join boys’ teams.
“Now there’s a girls’ competition in almost every age group – that’s been a real game changer.”
In addition to being the competition administrator and coaching the Premier Youth League Under 14s, Wilson pulls on the jersey herself for the Orara Valley Dingoes in the HIT105.5 Women’s Premier League.
“The Dingoes are a great example of a club embracing female football.
“Almost half our players – 48 percent – are women and girls, and they’re not alone.
“Dorrigo has a staggering 67 percent female participation rate, while Urunga, Sawtell, Northern Storm, Nambucca, Coutts Crossing and Bellingen all top 40 percent.
“It’s fantastic for the future of the game.
“We’ve got really strong numbers in the junior ranks, the challenge now is helping players transition smoothly into the senior and representative competition, which, to be fair, are growing every year.”
NCF General Manager Duncan Marchant emphasised the focus on female football in the region and said the results speak for themselves.
“The next challenge for us all is to enhance the coaching and player development, to a point where we can provide new and exciting opportunities for our girls.”
By David WIGLEY
