100 years of women’s football to be celebrated by Football Queensland

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Football Queensland have announced upcoming celebrations for the 100-year anniversary of women’s football in the sunshine state.

Friday, September 24 will mark 100 years of women’s football throughout the state of Queensland, with the first public game of women’s football taking place nearly a century ago.

The game is also historically significant given it was the first ever public match of women’s football to be played across the entirety of Australia.

The centenary celebration will be held at the Gabba in Brisbane where the game was held in 1921 between North Brisbane and South Brisbane.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson is excited to see the celebrations that are set to unfold on the day.

“Football Australia is delighted to support Football Queensland in celebrating the past, present and future of the women’s game as we welcome key figures from Australian football to the very place where the first women’s match was played on its 100th anniversary,” he said.

“This is an incredible milestone for football in this country, and a timely celebration not only for Football Queensland but for all of our Member Federations as we prepare to welcome the FIFA Women’s World Cup to our shores in 2023.”

Next month’s celebration of 100 years of women’s football will see every Queensland club invited, for them to hear from guest speakers including FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Chief Operating Officer Jane Fernandez as part of the milestone.

“Football Queensland is honoured to celebrate 100 years of women’s football and the significant contributions of those who shaped the women’s game not only here in our state but across Australia at the upcoming centenary celebrations,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this national milestone here in Queensland in what will be a once in a lifetime event for all involved.

“Football Queensland is committed to strengthening opportunities for women and girls to join our game not only as players but also as coaches, referees and volunteers, and the celebration of 100 years of women’s football provides us with the perfect platform to do this as we look ahead to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”

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Female Referee Mentor Program backed by Football Australia

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Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia (FA) launched the program last week, aiming to champion the next generation of female referees through connections with experienced officials.

Investing in the future

Backed with investment from the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ grant, FA’s Ref Our Game framework will pair future referees with current and former A-League officials.

Through one-on-one mentorship, development opportunities and a network of experienced professionals, aspiring female referees will have unique insights into match officiating.

“Football Australia has always been a leader in inclusion, setting a global standard for female leadership and development,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via press release.

“This program reflects a strong commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable officiating pathway and creating a meaningful connections, increasing confidence and ensuring talented female referees feel supported to stay in the game.”

Furthermore, with the launch coinciding with Female Football Week (running from May 8 to May 18), the program represents a wider drive in Australia’s football landscape to become inclusive and supportive.

 

About the program

Focused on future referees within the 18-26 age bracket, the program will give participants a deep understanding of match officiating and equip them with both confidence and expertise.

Each participant will benefit from six mentor sessions, which will include individual feedback, guidance and insights into the life of a referee in elite sport.

Combining leadership, communication and a real sense of belonging, the program promises to nurture new female referees and, as a result, ensure football remains a sport in which men and women can participate side-by-side.

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference,” explained Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

“We want to see more girls and women involved in sport at every level and supporting programs like this helps make that happen.”

Indeed, programs of this nature align ambition, professional networks, and a vision for improving the landscape.

This is what the industry needs to ensure long-term inclusivity and cohesion for the next generation.

Football NNSW Releases Infrastructure Strategies as Participation Growth Outpaces Facilities

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

Northern NSW Football has unveiled bespoke infrastructure strategies for each of its seven member zones, providing an evidence-based roadmap for facility investment across the region as continued participation growth exposes critical gaps in the sporting infrastructure available to support it.

The Member Zone Infrastructure Strategies draw on data across participation rates, population growth and existing facility conditions to map what each zone has, what it needs and where investment will have the greatest impact. Identified gaps include drainage, lighting and inclusive changerooms – the foundational infrastructure that determines whether facilities are functional, safe and accessible year-round.

NNSWF Government Relations Manager Gary Fisher said the strategies represented a significant step toward smarter, more targeted investment across the region.

“By bringing together key data on participation, population growth and existing infrastructure, these strategies give us a stronger understanding of where the needs are greatest and where investment will have the most impact,” Fisher said. “Ultimately we want to create more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone involved in the game while building stronger, more sustainable clubs and communities for the future.”

Northern NSW Football has previously noted that participation across the region is at record levels and still rising, with women’s and girls’ football a significant driver of that growth. Infrastructure that was built for a smaller and less diverse participation base is increasingly unable to meet current demand, let alone accommodate future growth.

The strategies are also designed to strengthen NNSWF’s alignment with government funding priorities, providing the evidence base needed to support grant applications and long-term facility planning across all seven zones.

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