Record boom in girls Auskick numbers in South West

More junior girls are playing footy in the South West than ever before, with participation numbers up a whopping 20 per cent from last year. 

An increase in all-girls groups across the South West has been the major reason behind the encouraging rise. 

Dunsborough Football Club is leading the way in its Auskick program with 49 girls, including 38 in an all-girls group. 

Bunbury, South Bunbury, Australind, Donnybrook and Margaret River Auskick centres also offer all-girls groups which have helped boost their participation numbers. 

Dunsborough’s all girls co-ordinator Sarah Jamieson credited the rise in numbers to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the budding female footballers. 

“The strong girls’ numbers at Dunsborough this year have come from creating a welcoming and supportive environment where girls feel confident to give football a go,” Jamieson explained. 

“The saying ‘girls who train together stay together’ reflects this, and providing these opportunities from a young age helps build lasting participation.” 

Jamieson highlighted the importance of all-girls Auskick groups in growing confidence in the junior players. 

“The girls enjoy playing in an all-girls group because they are able to be more themselves and develop confidence in a supportive environment,” she said. 

Jamieson also paid tribute to the volunteers helping out at Dunsborough and across the region, a timely reminder of their vital importance on National Volunteer Week. 

“Having parents, including mums, volunteer and help out is extremely important,” Jamieson said. 

“Community sport relies on volunteers, and family involvement helps create a positive and supportive team culture. It also shows the girls that their participation is valued and encouraged both on and off the field.” 

There will also be the first ever all-girls Auskick/Superkick gala day in the South West at Eaton Junior Football Club on Sunday, June 21, with more than 300 registered Auskick and Superkick players in the region invited to attend.  

It comes after Perth hosted the first all-girls Auskick event in any state across Australia last year in what was a milestone moment for female participation, with more than 40 clubs and 450 players aged 5-12 from across the Perth metropolitan area taking part.