Sarah Willington, Football Queensland’s Women’s & Inclusive Football Development Officer, is encouraged by the enthusiasm for female football in Mackay after an intensive visit to the region.
Willington met with the Mackay Regional Football Zone, conducted a girls-only clinic and held a women’s football forum for local stakeholders over a busy two days.
While acknowledging there is work to be done across the women’s game, the qualified coach and referee is excited by the passion of those promoting it in the region.
“For such short notice it was very well accepted by the community,” Willington said.
“The turnout at the forum was of great quality. The people attending were interested in the state of women’s football and progressing the game, and wanted to know how their clubs could improve.
“We touched on the Women’s Football Development Guide but also discussed their local situations and what needed attention.”
Prior to refereeing Saturday night’s Westfield FFA Cup fixture between Magpies FC and Frenchville SC, Willington also conducted a girls-only training clinic for over 40 young players.
“We were supposed to go for an hour and almost went for two. They were massively enthusiastic,” she said.
“Mackay Wanderers were very supportive of the event and provided all of the equipment for the girls to have a great time.”