There were newcomers welcomed, idols encountered and smiles aplenty as rebel Female Football Week returned to Queensland between March 8 and 15.
The annual celebration wrapped up over the weekend after seven fun-filled days spent shining a light on the wonderful contribution women and girls make to our game.
A nationwide initiative, rebel Female Football Week encourages new participants and celebrates those already involved through a series of activities stretching across the state.
Queensland clubs big and small got right into the spirit, staging events ranging from Brisbane Roar’s meet-and-greet with Westfield W-League stars to Innisfail United’s parent and daughter training session.
In Gladstone, Central FC shared heart-warming stories on social media exploring the football backgrounds behind their female players and hosted a social kick-about for all ages.
Female-only coaching courses also took place in Robina and at Teviot Downs SC among other areas, all with a view to fostering a welcoming environment.
That theme filtered through the bring-a-friend session at Brighton Bulldogs and ensured the success of the come-and-try opportunities at Eastern Suburbs and in Cairns, where the Girls in Football Gala Night proved popular.
Meanwhile, at Football Queensland (FQ) headquarters, rebel staff members from four regions came together to compete in a seven-a-side mixed social tournament, showcasing the company’s commitment to the cause as an official partner of Football Federation Australia (FFA).
Throughout the week FQ also recognised a number of Queenslanders as part of FFA’s rebel Female Football Awards in the following categories; Administrator of the Year, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year and Male Champion of the Year.
FQ Participation Manager (Women & Girls) Kerry Hammersley praised the local heroes responsible for delivering engaging events in all corners.
“We are thankful to all of the fantastic players, parents, coaches, referees, clubs and zones who helped make rebel Female Football Week another terrific celebration,” Hammersley said.
“This initiative grows stronger every year and Football Queensland is proud to have so many people championing female football.
“It is no coincidence that the number of women and girls playing the sport in Queensland and Australia as a whole is on the rise.”
The end of rebel Female Football Week followed the release of FFA’s national football census, which showed there are now more than 18,000 women and girls playing football in Queensland.