Words: Joshua Martin
Images: Chris Simpson

They are the indefatigable Queensland powerhouse of PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s football and The Gap FC Women show no sign of slowing down.

Last weekend the undefeated Gators team won the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland Premiership for a second straight year with victory over second-placed Eastern Suburbs FC Women.

Over the past five seasons the club’s top women’s side has won all available trophies, except one, as they carried their dominance of community competitions into the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

This ongoing success on the pitch is owed to the vision of the coaches and administrators off it.

The club's PlayStation 4 NPL Technical Director and Women's coach Rob Askew says having the whole club playing the same style throughout the age groups allows for increased development and transition of junior players into the senior set-up.

“We have been using the NPL style right through our club, before it was even required, which has given us a great advantage,” Askew explained.

“I have a clear vision of how we should play. It’s attacking and proactive and players know what is to be expected.”

“Even though we have turned over two teams of players over the past 5 years we have still been successful.”

Captain Ruth Blackburn, who began playing at the Gap in the Under 12’s, says the club’s buddy system, which pairs senior players with juniors, has fostered a culture of success.

“We recognise that we have a good culture and we don’t compromise on that. Even when new players come in we encourage them to adapt to our style,” Blackburn said

Blackburn, who played for the Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-league team last summer, is one of the many products of the proven system that has also seen Gators alumni Gabe Marzano, Summer O'Brien, Leah Curtis, Bec Price, Lara Boon, Pam Bignold, Tashina Roma, Ellen Beaumont and Jess Dillon also grace the country's top tier women's club competition.

“The overall themes of the game that Rob has taught me, especially movement off the ball, have been helpful to give me a better game intelligence which is useful in the W-league,” she said.

Some time away from the game allowed Askew to take his coaching to another level, with the Gators mastermind now boasting an AFC 'B' coaching qualification.

“I took a sabbatical from football which coincided with the time Ange Postecoglou was coaching at the Roar,” he said.

“I was blown away by that 2010/11 team and it sparked my interest again.”

“I have taken a lot of what Postecoglou says on board, especially when he spoke about not changing your philosophy when things aren’t going well.”

Askew added that the club’s board room structure has been successful because it embraces the women’s game.

“That keeps us ahead of clubs who prioritise their men’s teams and we love being able to provide players a step to higher levels.”

The club’s NPL Operations Manager Tony Skinner says the structure means there are a group of dedicated volunteers whom work tirelessly behind the scenes for the female teams.

“This working group makes it much easier for Rob and all our coaches to focus on the players and their development,” Skinner identified.

“Given our female football program has been in existence for over two decades, we have gained a strong reputation as a female development club.”

Despite being successful for so long, the habit of forensically analysing every match has ensured the players continue to improve says Blackburn.

“We are motivated to stay undefeated and improve each week and we can learn from our wins,” she said.

Gators are currently on track to become the first senior side in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland to complete a regular season undefeated and, with the Premiership now in hand, are aiming for back to back Grand Final wins next month.