Today marks 100 days until the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins with the Matildas playing Ireland in Sydney.
The spotlight will be on our game like never before and the World Cup Effect will boost grassroots female participation across northern NSW.
With this boost of participation, the NSW Government Football Legacy Program is investing in the establishment of female-friendly facilities to cater to the unique needs of our female footballers, who are critical in growing the game.
Sharron Walker, Secretary at Dudley United Senior Football Club, says, “there is a huge amount of research to show that many females face barriers being involved in sports, particularly traditionally male-oriented sports such as football. Women and girls are more likely to become involved in football if they feel that they are welcomed and valued in the sport.
Traditionally change rooms and facilities are open and offer little privacy which is a huge barrier to many females. Female-friendly facilities that provide privacy to get changed and nice bright lighting around the ground provide a feeling of safety and comfort walking to and from the facilities.”
In creating female-friendly facilities, women are more likely to participate in football if they feel comfortable and safe doing so - which is in line with the Football Legacy Program’s goal of increasing female participation and retention to 35% in 2023. By providing female-friendly facilities, the Dudley United Senior Football Club is creating an environment that is not only welcoming and inclusive but encourages women in the community to participate in the sport.
Women are more likely to continue playing football if they feel that their needs are being met and that they are valued members of their teams. “Our club now has private showers, and works to offer our players facilities that have better lighting with more personal storage is also underway.
“Making a few simple changes makes a world of difference and allows everyone to play. It's a pretty exciting time to be involved in football”, says Walker.
Female-friendly facilities can help to create a sense of belonging among female players and to foster a positive team culture, “we also have a very female-friendly open approach to social kick-abouts so women can come and try and play football in a socially fun setting outside of our normal training structured sessions. We have already seen a huge upturn in women wanting to join in and our three teams were full within a couple of weeks,” continues Walker.
Find out more about the strategy supporting female football.
This web story is supported by the NSW Government under the NSW Football Legacy Program.