Football West support for 2024 Girls Festival of Community Soccer

Football West will partner the City of Fremantle and other groups in delivering the 2024 Girls Festival of Community Soccer.

This festival will see 500 players assemble on Fremantle Oval next month to play in the small-sided carnival.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 16 March, was inspired by the FIFA Women's World Cup matches held in Perth last year. The inaugural tournament in July 2023 saw 35 teams take part.

Festival organisers have confirmed this year's tournament is a sell-out, boasting a 77% increase in participation from last year.

Event co-ordinator Lindsay Tacy, who has spearheaded this year's event, said: “In July 2023, the Girls Festival of Community Soccer had 35 teams participating in the event and was designed to promote and enhance female football in WA. For 2024 we are sold out with an astonishing 62 teams from 12 clubs with 500 girls.

“The festival will consist of under-8s through to under-17 girls. It is amazing to see what the Women's World Cup has done for female football. The future of female football has never looked brighter.”

Football West is sponsoring prizes for all age groups and Manager - Female Football and Advocacy Sarah Du Plessis, who attended, said: “Football West is delighted to be involved in the festival.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup was a game changer for female football and we have seen a huge percentage increase in registrations ahead of the new season. Tournaments like this are a great way for girls to get involved.”

The City of Fremantle announced a three-year sponsorship of the Girls Festival of Community Soccer at the sponsor launch at Fremantle City’s Hilton Park last week.