Introduction

This brief has been prepared in response to community concerns regarding the state of women & girls football in the Geelong region. Despite overall growth in the girl’s game over the past four years of 30%, women & girls still make up only 17% of the total football population in Victoria. In some regions of Victoria, such as Geelong, there are worrying trends of decline in participation which is threatening the existence of girls football altogether. It is a strategic priority of the sport to not only bridge the gap to male participation by a minimum 8%, but also grow participation of women & girls to 25,000 by the end of 2015. This brief proposes a delivery model designed based on research findings collected over the past four years. The model is proposed for the consideration of the local Women & Girls Football Representative Group comprising members of the local football clubs and local football committee. It is by no means an end product and has simply been prepared for consideration and discussion.

Summary of research and proposed recommendations

Much research has been conducted both internally and externally over the past four years on the participation of women and girls in sport. Below is a summary of the most relevant and consistent research findings, as well as proposed recommendations for consideration by the local Women & Girls Football Representative Group:

Findings:

Girls are less likely to participate in sport if placed in boy’s teams or in a male-dominated environment (eg; a club with a high percentage of male participants). Girls are more likely to participate in sport if accompanied by their friends.

 

Recommendation:

1)     Whilst there is still a market for ‘mixed’ football and should remain an option for parents and young girls, evidence suggests it is not the most appropriate method to encourage maximum participation among young girls. It is recommended that girls-only opportunities, particularly for first-year players, be promoted as a priority within the local community. Should a young girl display outstanding ability on a consistent basis (eg; after a handful of games) within this environment, an invitation should be offered to play either in an older girls’ team or with the age-appropriate boys’ team, however this should never be forced upon her. The decision must be made by the young girl and her parents/guardians.  

2)     Clubs serious about growing girls’ participation must evaluate the environment they are providing. It is strongly recommended that clubs complete the Club Work Book provided at the first group meeting and implement changes where appropriate. Importantly, club representatives must be more conscious of how girls are treated at the club, ensuring they are treated as respectfully as the male participants. It is strongly recommended that clubs look engage more women to participate on club committees.

3)     It is recommended that recruitment through schools focus of teams before individuals. Recruitment flyers and promotional material should encourage girls to form teams with their friends. This is an approach which continues to work very well for Basketball.  

 

Findings:

The younger girl’s start participating in sport and developing skills and coordination the more likely it is that they will continue participating in that sport long term. The recommended age to engage girls for a greater chance at sustained participation is 7 – 9. Sustained participation is less likely in girls that start after this point.

Secondly, data presented by the ASC indicates that sport participation begins to decline rapidly in both boys and girls from the age of 12 – 16. The structure of football, particularly junior or youth football ignores these statistics. Many girls are lost to the sport when the minimum number of participants is not achieved.[1]  

Thirdly, time is an important factor, particularly among older girls. Although maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is a priority, women and girls are less likely to commit to sport that requires a large commitment of time. Recreational options are becoming more popular because of this factor.

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that girls-only Optus Small-Sided Football be introduced in Geelong as of 2013 and that the playing formats be further modified to encourage maximum participation. Football Federation Australia (FFA) has been consulted and has provided approval to trial the following formats:

formats	7 - 9’s	U11’s	U13’s	U15’s	U17’s
Numbers	4 v 4	5 v 5	7 v 7	7 v 7	9 v 9
Field size	30m x 20m	30m x 20m	50m x 40m	50m x 40m	70m x 50m
Penalty area	Nil	Nil	6x deep x 12m	6x deep x 12m	6x deep x 12m
Goal size	2m x 1m max	2m x 1m max	5m x 2m max	5m x 2m max	5m x 2m max
Ball size	3	3	4	4	5
Goalkeeper	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Playing time	2 x 12mins	2 x 15mins	2 x 20mins	2 x 25mins	2 x 30mins
Half time break	5mins	5mins	5mins	7.5mins	7.5mins
Referee	Game leader	Game leader	Green Shirt IR	Green Shirt IR	Green Shirt IR
Points & table	No	No	Optional	Optional	Yes

 

Under this model 11-a-side football is not introduced until the open women’s division. Whilst not ideal, the reality of the region at present is that it is unable to sustain a quality 11-a-side girls’ competition at an earlier age. It is recommended the following formats be trailed over the next 2 – 3 years in an effort to grow participation, before considering modifications of the playing formats to accommodate for 11-a-side teams at an earlier age.  

Whilst the formats are age-based, identified talented girls should be encouraged to play above their age or alternatively within the boys’ leagues, however they should not be forced to do so.  

It should also be noted that a National Competitions Review is currently being undertaken. The main objective of the review is to more appropriately define community clubs from talent development clubs and ensure the correct structures are in place to support the two.

 

Findings:

There is a lack of awareness of the opportunities for girls to participate in football.

 

Recommendation:

FFA recently released the brand ‘Girls FC’ which is proving rather popular with young girls and mums on social media. It is recommended the proposed local girls’ competition be branded as ‘Girls FC’ and all marketing material produced for girls incorporate this branding. Recruitment material provided by FFA should be utilized within the local community. FFV will also commit financially to the production of GIRLS FC signage to be used to create awareness of girls’ football within the region. FFV will also support the promotion of girls’ football by appointing female ambassadors, including senior players/leaders from local club teams and extending to national players, to support Foddy Kyprian in delivering promotional school activities at the start of the year.  

 

Findings:

Many local club facilities, particularly change rooms, are inadequate and discourage female participation. In general, men seem to receive a higher priority when it comes to utilising time on the pitch.

Secondly, girls are conscious of their image when participating in sport and more likely to play a sport where they are less likely to be watched by boys and feel comfortable executing the skills required to perform adequately.

Thirdly, the cost of participation and ability to travel for sport are barriers which impact participation, particularly among low-socioeconomic communities.

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Howard Glover Reserve become the home of Girls Football in the Geelong region and will host weekly games from the proposed U9’s through to senior games. Under this proposal, all clubs fielding girls’ teams will be invited to participate in a gala-like model. Responsibility for set-up and canteen management will be rotated between clubs on a weekly basis, although FFV will also investigate the opportunity for Sports Education Development Australia (SEDA) students to assist where possible. FFV will facilitate the training and development of young female players to the roles of game leaders and instructing referees for the younger age groups. Participants will be compensated either financially or through the canteen for carrying out such duties.

It is suggested that Girls Football at Howard Glover be played Sunday mornings (to avoid a clash with the local Netball league) from the mid April over a 10 - 12 week fixture with breaks for the Queen’s birthday and school holiday periods if required. Games will commence from as early as 9am. Howard Glover reserve will be transformed into a female-friendly facility over the summer period in preparation. Please note a similar model takes place very successfully in Bendigo where all clubs play small-sided football fixtures out of the one centre.

Regarding costs of participation, FFV is currently in the process of reviewing all its fees in an effort to facilitate greater access to the sport without compromising quality. It is recommended that the cost of participation is the same across all clubs and increases minimally at each age group and that this cost is negotiated at the next representative meeting.

 

Findings:

The relationship with the coach is of high importance. Girls are more likely to continue to participate in sport if a close, trusting relationship is formed with the coach. Research suggests girls are more concerned with the bond they establish with the coach and the quality of coaching they are receiving rather than the sex of the coach.

 

Recommendation:

FFV will launch an education program for coaches of girls’ teams. It is recommended that all coaches of girls teams undertaking the training as a prerequisite. FFV Zone Development Officer Foddy Kyprian will also act as a mentor to female coaches during the course of the season.

 

 

 

Moving Forward

The local Women & Girls Representative Group, along with key FFV personnel, are asked to consider this proposal and respond with comments via email to scarmusciano@footballfedvic.com.au by Monday July 9^th 2012. Comments will be summarized and prepared for group discussion at the next local Women & Girls Football Representative Group meeting proposed for Monday July 16^th 2012.