Football Queensland have announced they will hold Australia’s first ever female-only FFA/AFC B Licence coaching course at the beginning of next year.
The course will be held at Meakin Park and will run across 11 days in January and April, with Matildas Assistant Coach Mel Andreatta, Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower and FQ’s Lead Club Development Ambassador (Coaching) Davide Bertamini facilitating the program.
“Football Queensland is absolutely committed to the women’s game which is why we will deliver the first ever female-only FFA/AFC B Licence course here at Meakin Park, a significant step for the women’s game, especially as we look ahead to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“We know that women and girls are the future of our game, and Football Queensland is committed to developing pathways and opportunities for women and girls to get involved in football in any capacity, including as players, coaches and referees.”
“As outlined in our Strategic Plan, Football Queensland is committed to increasing the number of coaches in our game through greater support, development and recognition,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.
“The upcoming female-only B Licence course at Meakin Park is a great example of this as we find new ways to provide high quality participation opportunities for women and girls in Queensland.”
Dower explained previous feedback from female coaches indicated there was an appetite for a female-only course, with some coaches claiming they were not as comfortable in an environment where they were the only female involved in a program.
“I think it’s always nice to be the first. For Football Queensland, it’s nice to be able to say that they led this initiative, looking at the big picture and an alternate way to boost the number of female coaches which is linked to our Strategic Plan,” she said.
“It’s also linked to Principle X of the FFA’s XI Principles by embracing opportunities to increase the number of female coaches and to grow the overall talent pool. The investment and development of the women’s game is not just about players, but building capacity in coaches, referees, medical staff and decision-makers too.
“To champion this initiative and to be the first is a proud pioneering moment for the evolution of the women’s game here in Queensland. Special thanks to Gabor, Davide, Rob and Ben for supporting the concept and to Sean Douglas for providing us with flexibility in our delivery.
“The female-only B Licence course provides an opportunity for a cohort of coaches to experience something different and to help them gain further qualifications and enhance their professional development. We don’t know what the specific feedback will be for this course because we’ve never done it before, but the opportunity needs to be provided before people can say whether they like the experience or not.”
The Young Matildas coach believes a flexible approach is key to realising the potential of female coaches, as they look to progress through the ranks.
“We need to create as many opportunities as possible for women to go on the Advanced Coaching pathway. Providing the opportunity and a supportive environment is the first part, then it’s over to them to show their potential. For our teachers, they’re coaching and teaching every day of their working lives, so it comes naturally to them.
“The next step is to support them, to guide and mentor them and instil confidence in them. As the game and in particular the women’s game continues to professionalise, there will be a larger pool of female coaches who have the qualifications and experience required and can then be afforded the same opportunity as their male counterparts to be recruited into more coaching roles.
“It would be great to get a full course and provide a really positive experience for a historic group of female coaches.”
More information about the course can be found here.
