PICTURED: Action from the Lismore Thistles vs. Bangalow Women’s Premier Division game that was played at the Southern Cross Football Centre on Sunday.
Football participation in the 2017 winter competitions ended tantalisingly close to 7000 players, with the total of female players representing 28% of this number.
Five senior female divisions, comprising 43 teams, and 27 junior female competitive teams, provide sound evidence that football is very popular in this region. Within the non-competitive demographic of participation, Aldi MiniRoos, female players comprise 32% of total junior player numbers. There is however MUCH more to be done to increase female participation and in MiniRoos, to progress the girls only teams.
As we head deep into this season, a review of competition ladders shows a tight contest in each of the five senior divisions. Lismore Thistles had a victory over perennial champions Bangalow last weekend and now lead the Women’s Premier Division pointscore. Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley lead Women’s Division 2, with Byron Bay and Goonellabah close behind. Lennox Head, Lismore Thistles and Byron Bay look to have it between them for the title in Women’s Division 3. Lismore Richmond Rovers lead a congested leader board in Women’s Division 4, while Rovers also find themselves at the top in Women’s Division 5, with Nimbin Headers and Lismore Workers definitely in for the fight.
Junior female player numbers have fluctuated in recent years, with Grade 12, 14 and 16 competitions in season 2017 revealing that combining ages can create a disparity between the competitiveness of players and teams. There are clear results for the respective top tier teams and those at the bottom of the table in each age group. The four teams at the top of the 16 Girls competition, Pottsville Beach, Casino, Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley and Bangalow offer great optimism for those respective clubs as they see most of the players head into senior competition next season. The small club of Uki Pythons in the northern part of the zone is having a great season and lead the 14 Girls with Alstonville Hotshots, Dunoon Dazzlers, Pottsville Beach, Casino and Bangalow all close behind. A similar mix of clubs are featured in the 12 Girls title contention with Casino leading Lennox Head followed by Bangalow, Alstonville and Tintenbar East Ballina.
Although we instinctively focus on results, sport should be about participation, fun and values that promote inclusion. Let’s celebrate performance regardless of where you finish on a points table or whether you receive a medallion.
WELL DONE to every single participant for being involved in football and we trust that you continue to enjoy season 2017.
