Boom in women’s soccer

WOMEN’S soccer is enjoying higher participation rates with every season.

Mirboo North United recorded the highest female to male ratio in the Gippsland Soccer League for 2023 and broke its own record with 19 registered players in the women’s side.

“It’s sensational – we are even seeing high levels of female participation in our junior teams,” club founder and coach Anton Thomas said.

“We see these junior players stepping into the women’s side every now and then, and really holding their own. That’s what we strive to do, we want to continue seeing the girls competing and having fun.”

Local teams are hoping to see an U17 female competition included in the fixture during upcoming seasons.

The league is looking strong in terms of female participation, with only two clubs unable to field a women’s team this season.

“Interest has absolutely grown, especially with what we are seeing in the World Cup. What Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter have done at an elite level is second to none. More people are seeing that and wanting to join, it’s fantastic. It’s what keeps football going at grassroots level,” Anton said.

Inverloch Stars Soccer Club entered the 2023 with its first all-female committee.

The inclusive club has an age range of 16 to 55 playing in the women’s side and is always looking for new ways to build up its juniors.

“We have a fantastic Mini Roos program, so our focus is on retaining that interest and bringing the club together to players at all levels can see there’s a pathway to continue the sport they love,” secretary Michelle Isles said.

The club bolstered interest with a Go Mums Soccer preseason program.

The introductory program was low intensity and designed to encourage new players to the game. 

Inverloch Stars Soccer Club is family friendly and has enjoyed watching the World Cup together in the clubrooms.

As interest in the sport continues to build, local clubs are looking to improve its infrastructure to accommodate growing membership.

Inverloch has approached Bass Coast Shire Council with ideas to lift their home ground at Thompson Reserve, which would allow female membership to continue to flourish.