Northern NSW Football is proud to launch its Women and Girls Action Plan for football in the Northern Inland which will help shape the game’s future in the region.
Northern Inland is experiencing an annual turnover rate of approximately 40 per cent in women’s and girls’ participation. Addressing retention is a central priority of the plan, with a strong focus on enhancing the overall experience to support sustained involvement and reduce the decline over time.
The Women’s Football Framework provides a strategic roadmap to grow and sustain women’s football in the Northern Inland region.
The framework was developed from regional workshop insights and surveys and addresses opportunities to expand participation, strengthen competitions, increase visibility and build leadership pathways.
The plan is supported by a three-year roadmap spanning foundation, growth and sustained development phases and is built on four key pillars:
- Participation
- Competitions
- Visibility and promotion
- Leadership and workforce
NNSWF aims to increase opportunities and remove barriers for women and girls to engage in football at all levels while building consistent, inclusive and sustainable competition structures.
Off the field, the focus will be on increasing the profile, representation and visibility of women and girls in football alongside strengthening capacity, equity and sustainability across female leadership, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.
The overall outcome of the plan is to deliver a coordinated approach that grows the game, empowers participants and positions the Northern Inland region as a vibrant hub for women’s football.
This plan marks a significant milestone as the first initiative of its kind nationally. It establishes a foundation for future growth, with NNSWF committed to supporting other member zones interested in developing and implementing similar strategies in the years ahead.
NNSWF General Manager Participation & Women’s Football Allana Neeve said the introduction of the plan was a key milestone in the ongoing development of women’s and girls’ football in the Northern Inland region.
“This plan is a significant step in strengthening the experience for women and girls across the Northern Inland region,” Neeve said.
“By addressing key challenges such as retention and access and focusing on clear development pathways, we are creating more opportunities for participants to engage with football at every stage of their journey.
“It also allows us to take a more coordinated and consistent approach to growth, ensuring the right structures and support are in place for long-term success.
“Ultimately it provides a strong foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable game.”
Regional Football Manager – NNSWF Northern Inland Jess Kellaway was excited about what the plan will deliver for the local football community.
“This is an exciting moment for football in the Northern Inland region,” Kellaway said.
“The plan reflects the passion and commitment we see across our clubs and communities and sets a clear direction for how we can continue to grow the women’s game throughout the region.
“We’re focused on fostering a positive, welcoming environment where women and girls can get involved, stay involved and thrive.”
Find the NNSWF Northern Inland Women and Girls Action Plan HERE.