Is your New Year resolution to get outside more, make new friends or simply to become more active?
Then Kick-On for Women may be for you!
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 in to their busy lives while juggling work, study, family and social commitments.
Northern NSW Football will run 24 Kick-On for Women hubs across northern NSW during Term 1 of the NSW school year from February to March.
Born from the demand of mothers, sisters and female spectators wanting to be involved in the sport, the format is welcoming, supportive and fun.
Northern NSW Football’s Kick-On for Women Project Officer Michelle Forbes said there had been more than 1200 participants in the program over the last 12 months and positive feedback had been pouring in.
“While participants are learning basic football skills the real benefits reach far further, extending to mental health, being active and connecting with other women – very necessary in this post COVID time,” Forbes said.
“The program is particularly good for busy mums wanting to do something affordable for themselves without having to overcommit to gym memberships or the guilt of ‘letting a team down’.”
With a commitment of just 45 minutes a week after general office hours and during school terms, the program has a strong focus on inclusion and friendship.
It is run by accredited facilitators and provides participants the opportunity to spend time focusing on their fitness and well-being in a supportive environment.
The program is funded by a SportAus grant, allowing program fees to remain at $50 per participant per term.
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.
“With northern NSW to play an important part in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with potential training hubs in Newcastle, Broadmeadow, Adamstown and Hamilton with Maitland, Cessnock, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour acting as team base camps, now is the perfect time to become involved in women’s football.”
Forbes said the program had plenty of benefits for women.
“Kick-On for Women is such an amazing program. Any women who have an interest to learn and play football, regardless of their age, fitness level or experience, can do so with us,” Forbes said.
“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.”
Having run for two terms prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the uptake in the program showed great promise with support from women throughout all locations.
The program has been featured as part of the Federal Government’s Her Sport Her Way program and Football Federation Australia have commenced rolling it out nationally.
Exciting times for a program developed here in Newcastle by a local mum!
For a full list of locations click here
