Hundreds of junior female footballers will get a unique chance to play tournament football on tour, with the launch of Sydney FC’s first Female Football Festival.
The two-day event, to be held in Kiama in April, is open to players across NSW to enter teams of seven a side, each of which will play at least six games over the two days.
Aiming to build on growing excitement ahead of the Women’s World Cup, the festival will be held at the Kiama Sporting Complex on April 13 and 14 and is open to teams aged under-8 to under-15, with a a minimum of eight and maximum of 12 players per squad. Entry fees are $750 per team.
Sydney FC players will be in attendance at the festival, and midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby – called up by the Matildas last year – noted the unprecedented opportunities the festival would bring for female players.
“There were no opportunities like this for me when I was growing up as a young girl playing football, whereas there were always festivals for boys,” said Hawkesby.
“This is a really exciting development for girls of all ages and skill levels and I’m sure those who come during the holidays will love every minute of it.”
Details of the tournament, including accommodation options, can be found here.
“Our hope is it will become the largest female football participation festival of its kind in New South Wales,” said Sydney FC Head of Programs Howard Fondyke.
“We want young girls to be able to experience the thrills and excitement of a football festival as well.
“We know the Women’s World Cup is going to be massive so we want to encourage as many girls teams as possible to participate and start the party early.”
With participation numbers surging in women’s football, players at the festival will get a free pass for the Liberty A-League next season.
“It’s a really great opportunity for young girls to enjoy playing football, socialise, and enjoy spending time together as a team,” said Sydney forward Cortnee Vine.
“Women’s and girl’s football is growing on a huge scale and this will only encourage more participation and more young girls to get involved and have fun playing ahead of the World Cup.”
