“This means focusing our energy to a greater extent on women’s football and having women-friendly changing facilities and amenities,’’ Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said while presenting his annual report.

“Women in our sport – as demonstrated by the success of the Matildas – the continued growth and presence of the W-League, as well as our own women’s premier league, are a vital and important part in the future growth and development of our game.’’

Mr Parsons said Football Mid North Coast needed to expand the opportunities for women.

“We need to recruit more female referees, coaches and administrators to achieve a sustainable balance and identify those requirements specific to women and girls in our sport.’’