Albany to host female football festival

The West Australian Football Commission in partnership with the Great Southern Regional Development Council will be hosting an all-inclusive football festival as part of a push to improve the female football participation pathway in the Great Southern region.

The Great Southern Roadshow will be held at the SDJFA Pavilion in Albany on Sunday March 13 for females in pre-primary through to Year 12.

West Australian Football Commission Regional Manager Tom Moir said the festival will help expose local football opportunities for young females who want to play the great game.

“Last year WA recorded a total of 49,087 female football participants and the West Australian Football Commission aims to keep these numbers rising by tapping into regional areas to provide a full pathway for those wanting to play football.”

With the recent appointment of Female Football Coordinator Shelley McLennan, the Great Southern region is looking to grow its Youth Girls competition and introduce an All-Girls Auskick Centre in the Southern Districts Junior Football Association.

“The new appointment provides a significant opportunity to grow community club female participation in the region,” Mr Moir said.

“This festival will help increase the profile of female football in the Great Southern region to support the development of local female-dedicated teams.”

The Great Southern Youth Girls Competition has been growing over the past few years, and had some great success last year with local Abby Duncan selected to represent WA in the State School Girls Championships.

A variety of basic skill-based workshops and games will be run on the day by players from Claremont Piranhas Women’s Football Club, including 20-year-old State player Jess Barker.

Jess moved to Perth in 2013 after she played in the Youth Girls competition in Albany and was selected in the State U18s in 2011 and 2012.

The Albany product is looking forward to returning to her hometown this weekend to give back to the local community and help pave the way for future female footballers.

“After growing up playing with boys, it’s so encouraging to be surrounded by both men and women who are so supportive of females playing footy,” Ms Barker said.

“I’m excited about helping women who play footy in the country learn about all the different pathways they can take, to further their development as a player.”

To register for this event join the Great Southern Youth Girls Facebook page today.

For further information contact Great Southern Regional Manager Tom Moir on 0428 428 440, tmoir@wafc.com.au or Great Southern Female Football Coordinator Shelley McLennan 0467 792 366.