Celebrating women of the world game

AS part of Football Victoria’s Female Football Week, Futsal Ballarat hosted a celebration night for local women and girls last week.

More than 85 people attended the event that included training sessions, social exhibition matches, and a panel discussion with athletes, coaches, and administrators.

Futsal Ballarat director Dermott Tebb said the aim of the event was to encourage women and girls at all levels of the sport, in line with Female Football Week’s theme of ‘love our game.’

“It was great to see so many girls celebrating the sport and enjoying themselves,” he said. “The key at this level is fun, and ensuring they’re playing with a smile on their face.

“It was also great for the girls to see local stars playing the game. You can’t be what you can’t see so showcasing our local talent is incredibly important when you’re trying to grow the game.”

The celebration night was also a chance to get attendees excited about the sport’s future, with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaching with Australia and New Zealand acting as co-hosts.

Futsal Ballarat has more than 100 female players training and competing and has a girls only Monday night competition along with other established programs.

“The club facilitates girls only training programs allowing girls the opportunity to enter the sport in a safe and inclusive environment,” a statement from Futsal Ballarat said.

“Futsal Ballarat has a long history of supporting females in sport at both the developmental and elite level.”

Local player Madeline Hawker competed in Victoria’s under-13 side at the Football Australia National Futsal Championships this year, and her team won the tournament.