Female Football Carnival Creates Huge Interest

Plans are in place to expand an all-female interschool football carnival in the state’s Mid-West next year.

About 100 girls from five schools took part in the Freo Dockers Cup at the start of April.

It was the first event of its kind for females in the Mid-West, which followed the recent success of the annual boy’s carnival.

WAFC Midwest Regional Development Manager Grady Tomelty revealed an unusual set of circumstances opened the way for the Freo Dockers Primary School Cup.

“We were fortunate that the Geraldton Aquarena is out of action this year due to repairs.

With no interschool swimming carnival, we seized that opportunity to hold the Freo Dockers Cup for local primary schools,” Grady said.

For many who participated, it sparked interest beyond a one-off carnival.

“With female football exploding in the Midwest, the response was great.

For a lot of these girls, it’s the first time they’ve played football and they loved it.

We’ve had a bunch of enquiries for contacts so girls can join a club this year,” Tomelty revealed.

Six teams from five primary schools were involved, including Dongara District High School, Wandina Primary School, Allendale Primary School, Bluff Point Primary School, and Mount Tarcoola Primary School.

“The aim is to provide primary school students with an introduction to the game in a structured environment.

The rivalry of school versus school adds an extra layer to the competitive landscape.

Hopefully with students having an opportunity like this we can provide them with the confidence and skill set to play club footy on the weekend,” Tomelty said.