Piranhas assist with schoolgirls' transitionWednesday, July 31, 2013 - 11:34 AM

Schoolgirls teams battled it out in the Moore and White Division Grand Finals on June 30 to determine who would take home the Premiership Cup in the WAFC School Girls Competition for 2013.

St Marys overcame a gallant St Bridget’s to claim their second Grand Final win in two years. Claremont Piranhas Women’s Football Club have worked hard this year to ensure their club is doing its part, with player Emily Johnston returning to her school St Marys and coaching them to a grand final victory.

Emily also had some assistance on the day from former St Mary’s Students that now all play for the Piranhas; their local Women’s Football Club. Smith and Kristy Large are two graduates that have also made the transition from school football into Club Football playing for the Piranhas.

Belinda Smith, at only 18 years of age, has represented her state for football on eight separate occasions; SSWA State 16 Schoolgirls 2009-2011, WA Youth Girls Nationals 2010-2013 and State Open women’s 2013.

Smith is now assisting with transition to her club by coaching the Claremont Youth Girls Team in the competition’s inaugural year.

Belinda believes supporting the Youth Girls team is important and encourages girls to continue their football career after leaving school.

“You can relate to the girls more closely and they can clearly see the pathways and the future for Women’s Football," she said.

“A good relationship with the girls is vital to allow them to feel comfortable and confident to come to training and give senior football a go.”

The potential for future stars is evident in every game and WAWFL clubs are working hard to establish positive relationships with the girls that will form the future of their clubs.

Female Football is a sport on the rise and Western Australia is taking huge steps to ensure young participants are nurtured.

The relationships teams form now will forge lasting bonds between schools, junior and senior clubs which will allow for easy transition from Auskick all the way to Senior Women’s Football.

For more information on Female Football or to find your nearest club visit:

http://www.wafootball.com.au/development/players/female

www.facebook.com/FemaleFootballWA

www.twitter.com/FemaleFootyWA