Photo: Graeme Furlong
South Melbourne were today granted a license to field a women’s team in the 2017 edition of the PS4 NPLW Victoria.
The selection process was a rigorous one, with the three applicants – South Melbourne, Ballarat Eureka Strikers and an unnamed club – being ranked against criteria including youth development, facilities, coaching, council support, geographic location, and their past track record in women’s and girls’ football in the state.
FFV stated that South Melbourne’s application made clear their impressive history of both promoting and providing women’s football, grand plans for coaching, player development and club governance, along with an impressive facility in Lakeside Stadium.
They also praised South Melbourne’s commitment to the women’s game, which included recent changes at the operational and governance level to help promote both junior and senior women’s football up to the highest possible level.
Three clubs applied to become the 10th participant in the competition, but South Melbourne, who have a rich history in the women’s game in Victoria, ultimately won out.
FFV President Kimon Taliadoros praised the quality of all three applications.
“I would like to congratulate all applicants on the quality of their applications and their continued commitment and hard work in the women’s game,” he stated.
He also suggested that expansion of the league was a necessity at this stage, to meet the ever increasing numbers of girls taking up the round ball game.
“We must be ready with a pathway that gives all female players the opportunity to reach their potential and to achieve their football ambitions and goals. Victoria’s NPLW competition is a critical part of that pathway.”
The selection panel was made up of a group of seven members, including past players and senior FFV officials. The full list was as follows:
• Cathy Acocks – FFV CEO (Chair)
• Sezar Jakupi – FFV Board Director & Football Committee Chair
• Steve Black – Women’s Standing Committee Representative
• Jason Charles – Junior Standing Committee Chair
• Robyn Williams – Club President – Bendigo City FC
• Emma Highwood – FFA Head of Community, Football Development and Women’s Football
• Sarah Walsh – FFA General Manager Women’s Football