Female Football on the riseWednesday, June 4, 2014 - 2:54 PM

THE Youth Girls football competition has become a pivotal step in the pathway for female footballers following unprecedented growth to 19,326 female participants in WA last season.

As the participation of Female Football significantly increases, the Youth Girl’s Competition (ages 13-18years) has closed the gap from NAB Auskick (ages 5-8 years), Junior Girls (ages 8-12 years), through to the WA Women’s Football League (aged 16 years and over).

The Youth Girls Season started on May 11 with nine eager teams finally getting a chance to pull on the boots. this included one team from each District; South Fremantle, Peel Thunderbirds, Swan Districts, Perth Angels, East Fremantle, Claremont, Coastal Titans (Subiaco), Joondalup Falcons (West Perth) and the newest addition of the Coolbinia Bombers (East Perth).

Olivia Strandly, 15, is playing Youth Girls football for South Fremantle this year after starting her football in NAB AFL Auskick in the South Fremantle District and continuing her love of the game by playing juniors alongside boys with Bibra Lake and South Coogee.

Before the advent of the Youth Girls Competition, she would previously have been unable to contuing playing, with boys only competitions beyond the junior age group.

WAFC Female Football Coordinator Allana Dickie said the Youth Girls Competition wasn’t all about winning, but about giving the girls an opportunity to play football in a fun and safe environment.

"This Competition is welcoming to players of all skill levels, as the coaches involved work strongly on the development of the players," she said.

"There are a number of girls who have represented WA on the National Stage, proving that the progression and development of young girls in the sport is strong and well supported."