Football Queensland’s (FQ) first all-female advanced coaching course has been a resounding success, with a national record number of participants turning out for the three-day event at Meakin Park.

The course included both theoretical and practical training, with participants hailing from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, South West Queensland and Brisbane.

Football West, Football Federation Victoria, Football NSW and Football South Australia have run female-only C Licences, however the 28 female coaches in attendance in Brisbane is the highest attendance of a female-only advanced coaching licence in Australia.

“The course has been a very successful one and the talent in the room didn’t go unnoticed, all participants contributed and went above and beyond expectations,” FQ Female Participation Officer Kerry Hammersley said.

“All of the educators and prospective educators were impressed by the football knowledge, their willingness to learn and the genuine passion for the game.

“I am excited about the developmental journey that these coaches will be on and will strive to make sure that they are supported by FQ and from one another as a group of coaches.”

Kelly Boon was one of the coaches who attended the event and labelled the course invaluable.

“I’ve found the practical elements of the course invaluable,” Boon said.

“Taking sessions from a book to the field has helped to develop me as a coach.

“The learning environment has been comfortable, supportive and inclusive and everyone has been encouraging. Everyone has been able to share thoughts and opinions freely.”

Fellow participant Rebecca Hoult echoed this sentiment as well as highlighting the empowering all-female environment.

“It’s been a very inclusive environment and all the women have had the opportunities to share their knowledge and understanding,” said Hoult.

“I believe it’s important that more females get involved in football and educated to influence our up and coming female players.”

Course participants have been invited to attend an upcoming talent identification course, which aims to give coaches the tools to identify local talent in the women’s game.

Words: Samuel Johnson