Keilor Park Soccer Club held their annual women in football luncheon on Saturday, May 31, celebrating girls’ and women’s achievements in the sport.
Club secretary and coach Pina Mollica said the event provides an opportunity to pause and to reflect on the growth of the game.
“It’s to acknowledge those who make the game happen – from players to parents to coaches to referees to women in football. And those who support women in football,” she said.
The annual event was inspired by Football Victoria’s Female Football Week which aims to celebrate and champion female players, and ensure football is an inclusive sport for all women.
Keilor Park has 48 teams made up of about 630 players.
Ms Mollica said nearly 40 per cent of the club is made up of women, up ten per cent from last year.
“You spend a lot of time together when you’re in a team. You can feel the vibe and the connectedness… the relationships that are happening across the teams,” she said.
The club accommodates players of all ages with girls as young as four getting out onto the pitch.
“Our junior MiniRoos are quite competitive. Our senior women are in the top two [of the Victorian Premier League women’s] with our rival being Avondale… quite competitive at the top of the table,” Ms Mollica said.
There’s also a go mums program for women who are returning to the sport or wanting to get fit and socialise.
“We can facilitate football at every stage of your life as a female,” Ms Mollica said.
