Community support for stronger pathways in Canberra.
Young footballers were front and centre at the ACT Legislative Assembly, joined by WVSC SAP and Girls Pathways Coordinator John Coates (second from left), club patron Chris Steel MLA, and WVSC President Mark Stoove, as the club’s petition supporting stronger pathways for girls’ football was formally tabled.
Woden Valley Soccer Club’s campaign supporting stronger pathways for girls and young women in football reached an important milestone this week, with more than 1,000 community members signing an ACT Legislative Assembly petition.
The petition attracted 1,053 signatures and was formally tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly, where a number of MLAs spoke in support of increased opportunities for girls’ football in Canberra.
Young players from Woden Valley attended the Assembly alongside families, coaches and club representatives, sharing firsthand the impact that limited pathway opportunities can have on players and teams.
For many girls, the issue is simple: they want to continue playing football with the club, coaches and teammates they have grown up with.
Speaking to The Canberra Times, 13-year-old Woden Valley player Jilly said:
“I don’t want to lose this team.”
Fellow player Lottie highlighted the impact on friendships and future generations of players.
“Having the NPL also means that we can support future generations of girls and let them pursue their soccer dreams.”
The campaign also received support from ACT Treasurer Chris Steel MLA, Minister for Women Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for Sport Yvette Berry MLA, Fiona Carrick MLA and Caitlin Tough MLA.
Speaking in the Assembly, Minister for Women Marisa Paterson described the issue as one of opportunity and equity, stating:
“If we accept a system where the largest female participation base in the territory does not translate to elite opportunities, then we’re sending the wrong message to young women.”
Throughout the campaign, the focus has remained on providing strong local pathways that allow girls to continue developing, competing and staying connected to the game.
WVSC would like to sincerely thank every player, parent, volunteer, coach, supporter and community member who signed the petition, shared information and helped raise awareness.
The club will continue working constructively with stakeholders as we advocate for opportunities that support current and future generations of female footballers.
Together, more than 1,000 voices have shown that girls’ football matters.
Original article published by Canberra Times.