More than 50 young women from across Queensland are now qualified to coach MiniRoos teams or referee junior matches thanks to Football Queensland’s Girls United Development Program. 

The free Development Programs were held during the September school holidays in the Metro South, Metro North, Sunshine Coast and North zones. 

FQ Women and Girls Participation Manager Kate Lawson said she was pleased at the level of interest and engagement from girls throughout the state.  

“The Girls United Development Program was a resounding success with 55 girls completing the Level 4 referees’ course and/or the MiniRoos coaching course,” said Lawson. 

“For many of the participants, this was their first time they have received any sort of qualification in the referee and coaching space.  

“The engagement from the girls was absolutely fantastic, with a number of them showing plenty of promise for the future.  

“I’d like to thank the course deliverers and our hosts at Tarragindi Tigers, The Gap FC, Caloundra FC, Nambour Yandina United and FQ North in Townsville. 

“Football Queensland will continue to work with clubs from around the state to roll out more Girls United programs in the coming months.” 

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said the Girls United Development Program was helping to grow the game in Queensland. 

“The Girls United Development Program is just one of the ways Football Queensland is helping to develop female talent across our game,” said Cavallucci. 

“Over the September holidays we ran a series of targeted programs to encourage women and girls’ participation, including social football and sessions designed for older women and multicultural communities. 

“Women and girls are the future of football and increasing the number female coaches and referees is a strategic priority as the number of female participants continues to grow. 

“We expect many of these young women will continue along the coach or referee pathway and take on positions at clubs around the state.” 

CLICK HERE for more info on Girls United.