Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister, Tom Kenyon today announced a landmark agreement to help secure the future of women’s football in South Australia.

 

“The collaborative agreement will result in joint funding provided by the State Government, Football Federation Australia (FFA), Football Federation of South Australia (FFSA) and the Adelaide United Football Club,” Mr Kenyon said.

 

“The advent of the A-League, and more recently the new National Youth and Women’s Leagues has changed the football landscape in South Australia, necessitating a refined approach to the sport’s elite pathways. 

 

“This agreement is a fantastic result for football in this State, providing a clear pathway for our aspiring women footballers, and ensuring South Australia’s representation in the Westfield W-League in 2011.

 

“However this is not just about having a W-League team in Adelaide, it's really about nurturing and providing opportunities to the next generation of local female footballing talent.

 

“Under the agreement all women’s talent development pathways and programs, including the Women’s SASI program, will be integrated under the administration and support of FFSA.

 

“This will allow the elite development programs to be linked and embedded back within the control of the sport, making the maximum use of coaching expertise and program resources, as well as ensuring a seamless pathway for talent in this State,” Mr Kenyon said.

 

The CEO of Football Federation SA, Mr Michael Carter said that the cooperation from all parties has been welcomed in the overall restructure of the women’s elite pathway. 

 

“The pathway for girls and women will be enhanced through the employment of a Head of Women’s Football who will not only coach the W-League team, but oversee the development of girls at club level through detailed underpinning programs,” Mr Carter said.

 

Westfield Matilda’s and National Women’s Head Coach, Tom Sermanni said he was delighted about the announcement.

 

“From a Westfield W-League point of view, it’s a great outcome for Adelaide and the W-League as a whole.  It’s a very big and positive step forward for women’s football in South Australia.”