Three-time Youth Girls All-Australian Lily Mithen explains why she’s so determined to one day play in the Victorian Women’s Football League.
My dream as a footballer is the same as most, to play football at the highest level possible.
As a 16-year-old who just loves football I am very fortunate to have the ability to continue playing the game.
For me and other females this could be eventually a national competition like the AFL but until that happens I am very driven to play in the VWFL in years to come.
The Youth Girls Pathway is now well established with competitions all over Victoria, representative opportunities and AFL Victoria’s Youth Girls Academies.
Being involved in this pathway holds me in good stead to reach the highest level and I am not alone, many girls across the state are on this journey with me.
We all play the game because we love it but also because we have a desire to succeed.
Having such a high level of senior football in this state is something I am very grateful for and I cannot wait for my chance to play in the VWFL.
Being able to work towards something is a great way to improve and keeps you involved in the game.
Senior football is a big step up from Youth Girls but is now a realistic possibility for many girls leaving the U18 system.
The increased development now available to players like me at a young age will hopefully increase the standard at senior level and will help female football work towards having a national competition.
Having mentors and former teammates that now play in the VWFL has given me exposure to what it’s all about and what I need to do to succeed.
Ellie Blackburn and Maddy Keryk are two outstanding players who captained Vic Metro to last year’s National Youth Girls title and they have been great at passing on their experience of moving into the VWFL to me and other girls.
Speaking with them they it’s clear that playing in the VWFL is much more professional and that the work load is bigger due to the faster and yet more skilful game style.
The bigger and stronger bodies they said could be intimidating at times but had only made them work harder and become better players.
Some may think that stepping into senior football is scary but Blackburn said that her teammates, players and coaching staff, along with the club’s committee and supporters, were very welcoming.
She also mentioned the work that female footballers do in the community; volunteering time to help others and promoting the game was an appealing aspect to her.
Keryk agreed and said as long as you’re having fun playing footy, senior football is a great opportunity to improve and become the best you can be.
I am excited for my own future but also to where female football is heading.
It is great we are now given this opportunity to play the sport we love at a high level and I’m sure I will have many friends on board with me in years to come playing in the VWFL.
Last Modified on 22/04/2014 16:09