Young girls in the North-west region now have more opportunities to get into footy with a new competition kicking off this week.
The North West U11 Girls Mini Series is a free, local competition for girls in grades 3,4 and 5, running for four weeks from Friday June 13th.
Nine NWFL clubs are taking part with over 70 young girls expected to pull on the boots – some for the first time.
The U11 Girls competition is the first of its kind and one of many growing opportunities for young girls playing footy on the NW Coast.
The series also encouraging more female umpires and coaches in the region, by offering paid umpiring positions to female club representatives. Women and girls aged 13+ who are interested in umpiring the mini-matches can submit their EOI here.
Two well-known families in the North West footy community will be involved, their daughters playing in the inaugural U11 series.
Burnie Senior Women’s Captain Kirby Brakey has two daughters are part of Burnie’s Auskick and Superkick programs, with her eldest excited set to step onto the field for her first interclub game.
“Mila is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to play in the miniseries. She’s been eager to get involved ever since she participated in an all-girls footy program late last year, so getting the chance to play now is incredibly exciting for her.
She said she’s incredibly proud to see not only her girls following in her footsteps but the sport becoming more and more inclusive.
“This opportunity means so much, not just for Mila, but for so many young girls who are passionate about footy. It gives them a real pathway into the game, builds confidence, and shows them that there’s a place for them on the field.
“It’s exciting to see the sport becoming more inclusive and inspiring the next generation of girls to get involved and give it a go.
“It’s about more than just playing; it’s about creating equal access and building the next generation of athletes from the ground up.”
Devonport Senior Men’s Coach Justin Rodman is eager to watch his youngest daughter Emilia pull on a Devonport jumper and take part in competition for the first time.
“I’m proud to see her active and involved in sport but it’s really nice to see she enjoys being at Devonport with her friends and that the environment there is one she feels safe and comfortable in.
“She’s very excited to play in a competition that’s in line with her age group. Fantastic to see greater opportunities for our young girls to access football and the earlier we can expose them the greater their development.”
He’s highlighted the importance of a competition like this one in giving young girls more opportunities in sport.
“It’s very important, the greater the exposure and opportunity for young girls to get out and be active in a sport that they want to play. Girl’s football is taking steps forward every season and creating competitions like this will continue to support that growth.”
North West Participation and Programs Manager Payton Connell said this female series is a milestone that reflects the shared commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable football environment.
“Females now make up nearly 40% of participants in this ‘mini series’ space, with 100% of females opting into the girl's option rather than mixed.
“It’s a powerful testament to the fact that when girls are given a dedicated space to play, they are willing to show up, step outside their comfort zone and take the chance on a traditionally male dominated sport.
“What’s even more exciting is seeing girls bring their friends along, helping to grow the game through connection and community. We’re also seeing the next generation of leaders emerge, with older female players stepping into coaching and umpiring roles — giving younger girls role models they can relate to and showing them that there’s a place for them in every part of the game.”
The free U11 Girls Mini Series begins this Friday, June 13 and runs for four weeks. To get involved, register your interest here.