Female football review to support growth of game

Following continued record growth in participation in female football in Western Australia, Football West has completed its review of the current female competition structure.

The review will provide the blueprint for competitions to support and sustain the growth of female football in coming years.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell said: “Female football continues to be the fastest growing part of the game here in Western Australia and with the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 interest in the game will reach an all-time high.

“The purpose of the review was to provide a framework to support the growth of the game and provide appropriate participation opportunities for all players from our top NPLWA Women’s league through to those who prefer a more social competition.

“Thank you to everybody who participated in the review. Your input has been vital in helping us shape women’s football in WA moving forward.”

The eight-month review consisted of surveys, workshops and targeted discussions with the relevant standing committees, players, coaches, technical directors, club administrators and volunteers.

The key outcomes of the review are:

• A new, streamlined Women’s competition structure below NPLWA - Women which will replace the State, Amateur and Metro competitions
• Promotion and relegation to be introduced between the divisions, including from the NPLWA - Women's competition
• A new U13s competition for Junior Girls
• A new U17s competition for Junior Girls (replacing the previous Under 18s Junior Girls)
• A new Women’s Masters (over 35s) competition
• Increased junior team and facility requirements for the NPLWA - Women’s clubs

These changes will come into effect from 2023.

The revamp of the Junior Girls age groups is part of a long-term strategy to close the gaps in the girls’ game and assist retention of players.

The new U13s league will assist girls to make the adjustment to a full-size pitch against players of the same age, rather than having to compete in the U14s.

The Female Football Review will introduce pivotal outcomes for the game and will champion the continued growth of Women and girls' participation in WA. 

Football West Manager - Female Football and Advocacy Sarah Du Plessis said: "The framework will support participation, retention and development pathways, from the grassroots juniors through to the seniors, NPLWA Women's and Masters' competitions with the ongoing focus of sustaining the growth of female football in coming years."