In a State first, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has launched its Kick-On for Women Program; a modified football program to encourage women to get fit through a more social and accessible format of football.
From 21 October 2019, Kick-On for Women will span across 22 locations throughout metropolitan, regional and remote New South Wales and has been made possible thanks to a $162,000 grant provided through the Federal Government’s Move It Aus Program.
Within the Hunter Region there will be seven (7) locations including Speers Point, Mayfield, Garden Suburb, East Maitland, Cessnock, Swansea and Wallsend.
NNSWF CEO David Eland said the program was born from feedback from mums, sisters and girlfriends in football who were interested in the sport, however not able to overcome the barriers of self-confidence and time commitments.
“By creating safe, comfortable and welcoming environments, women wanting to learn the basic skills of the game can do so in a supportive, judgement-free and social space.”
To date, a pilot of the program in the Newcastle suburb of Garden Suburb has attracted 31 new participants and achieved a 68% retention rate.
Leann Bartley a participant in the pilot program said, that she is shy and found it difficult to enter large groups
“I was nervous walking into my first Kick-On session, I could kick a ball but didn’t know anyone else there.
“By the end of the first session, I had made new friends, had a great time and had picked up some further football skills,” said Ms Bartley.
Eland continued, Kick-On for Women is aimed for females over the age of 16 who are currently not active or have had a period away from organised physical activity and highlighted that the program, is deliberately aligned to Sport Australia’s Find Your 30 campaign.
“The 45-minute sessions are often run on Monday evenings, to help women kick-start their week.
“They also run over an eight-week term, the shorter format designed to entice women who are time poor due to family and work commitments to participate in the program.
Women’s football has never been more popular throughout the region, with NNSWF reporting yet another 5% increase in female participation across the region in the 2019 traditional football season.
To find out more and to join Kick-On for Women hub, please visit the Kick-on For Women Page.
