New development opportunities for female footballers

There will be a renewed focus on developing female football talent at the West Australian Football Commission in 2014, with the launch of Talent Academy programs for16-18 year old and 19-23 year old females.

A holistic approach to development will give Academy members the opportunity to work on developing all aspects of their football skills, as well as theoretical sessions on leadership, injury prevention and rehabilitation, media presence, nutrition, strength and conditioning.

Regular high performance testing along with kicking analysis will also endeavour to improve skills in the lead up to the National Women’s AFL competition proposed for 2020.

The players will also compete in two exhibition games and attend football clinics and special presentations as ambassadors of the talent program to help raise the profile of female football in WA.

A Coaches Pathway will also be established to encourage both young and experienced coaches to contribute to the growth of the best female players in WA and have the opportunity to be selected for state team representation, high performance academies or international tours.

Applications are currently being sort from interested coaching staff.

A specialist “talls” program will also be initiated in line with the current State Talent Academy for males.

WAFC Female High Performance Manager Alison Moore said the huge growth in Female Football in WA over the last two years had seen rapid improvement in female skill levels, an established Youth Girls pathway and the emergence of new teams inclduing the Butler Falcons – WA’s first multicultural girls’ team.

“In addition to this WA’s first Indigenous Kickstart girls’ team was formed in 2013 and the State 16’s claimed WA’s first female football win against Victoria at the national Championships in Darwin,” she said.

The WA Academy will continue to be supported by the WAFC, WAWFL, AFL but sponsors are also being sought for the program.

Please contact WAFC Female High Performance Manager Alison Moore on amoore@wafc.com.au or 0430868145 for more information.