Almost 600 of our regions female players will all be heading to Woonona’s Ocean park this weekend to compete for glory in the Bonnie Lassie Cup hosted by Football South Coast. Women’s teams from all four divisions, U17/18’s, junior girls' teams, and for the very first time an U21’s Thirroul side will take part in the pre-season tournament to kick off the long and exciting season ahead.

The Bonnie Lassie Cup dates back to 1978 where 20 local teams from 19 clubs competed for the trophy. With the competition doubling its size since its inception, 2016 sees a record 40 teams all vying for a chance to raise the elusive trophy which is the first silverware on offer for the women’s competitions this year.  The competition was reintroduced last year after the previous 4 years were cancelled due to poor weather, before that however, it has run consecutively since it began. FSC hopes it is just as much of a success as it has been in its 38-year history.

The tournament will consist of a round robin of pooled teams; the best of which will progress to a knockout stage, leading to one inevitable winner. Last year’s winners Albion park (whom also claimed the prestigious State Cup and Champion of Champions Cup) will be looking to secure a second consecutive title, however, with strong rivals in Tarrawanna, Wollongong Olympic and Thirroul (all top 4 finish last year), their task will not be easy. There may very well be some upsets and surprises this year as we welcome new teams formed in other divisions and more under 18’s teams who all performed outstandingly against the women’s sides last year. Only 10 different clubs have ever claimed the title with Woonona holding the record with a total tally of 9. The competition has grown very strong with a range of abilities and depth among many squads across many divisions making it hard to depict a winner - with a number of division two and three sides competitively showing their capability to play some very exciting football and the junior sides proving that they can hold their own, progressing to the elimination rounds last year.

This tournament is an excellent opportunity to showcase female football talent in the region and judging by the growth and popularity of the competition, the next new Matilda may very well be competing this weekend. Inclusion of the junior and under 21 sides has taken place to allow young female players to witness and experience ‘life after juniors’football by competing against women of all ages, outlining the pathway into senior football and beyond.

The Bonnie Lassie Cup relies on the outstanding support of their Major Sponsor -The Builder’s Club, the volunteers, referees, ground officials and the Women’s Football Council, whom have all proved to be invaluable to the success of this competition. The Bonnie Lassie Cup serves as a celebration of female football for the Illawarra showcasing an immense amount of local and uprising talent.

Story by Samantha Jordan.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Chan