Great Lakes United FC introduces female football program for first time

Kick-On for Women is an introductory football program designed specifically for women who have never played football before, or have not played for a long time, to fit exercise and time for themselves into their busy lives while juggling work, study, family and social commitments.

Football Mid North Coast club, Great Lakes United is of eight clubs across northern NSW to host a Kick-On for Women hub during term two, along with five hubs also hosted directly by State Member Federation, Northern NSW Football.

Borne from the demand of mothers, sisters and female spectators wanting to be involved in football, the format is welcoming, supportive and fun.

Northern NSW Football Kick-On for Women project officer, Michelle Forbes said positive feedback had been pouring in and welcomed Great Lakes United to the program.

"Great Lakes United have come on board because they recognise the value of the Kick-On for Women program and the benefits it can have not only for women associated with their club but their own community," Forbes said.

"It's wonderful when a new club comes on board and says a lot that more and more clubs see Kick-On for Women as a worthwhile program."

The Great Lakes United Kick-On for Women hub will be held at Boronia Park on Tuesday nights from 6pm.

Great Lakes United's Kick-On for Women co-ordinator and facilitator, Lesley Campbell said the club was excited for Kick-On for Women.

"Kick-On for Women is such an amazing program," she said.

"Any women who have an interest to learn and play football, regardless of their age, fitness level or experience, can do so.

"It's all about enjoyment and friendship in a welcoming, supportive environment.

"It's such a great way to get fit or stay fit and spend time with friends or make new ones."

With a commitment of just 45 minutes per week after general office hours and during school terms, the program has a strong focus on inclusion and friendship.

Hubs are run by accredited facilitators and provide participants the opportunity to spend time focusing on their fitness and well-being in a supportive environment.

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The program has been featured as part of the Federal government's Her Sport Her Way program and Football Australia has begun rolling it out nationally.

NNSWF head of football, Peter Haynes said Kick-On for Women encouraged women to become active, energised and connected.

"Women's football is growing quickly so we need to do whatever we can to assist that growth and support the women's game," Haynes said.

There have been more than 1200 participants in the program since its inception in term four of 2019.

See a full list of term two Kick-On for Women hubs at www.northernnswfootball.com.au/kick-on

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