To encourage further development of Female Football across the Gippsland region a squad of 20 Girls from the Gippsland region recently attended a Melbourne City FC U/16 Girls Only Tournament at CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner, during the recent school holidays.

The players were recruited from all areas of Gippsland which included Central, South, West and as far as the East of Gippsland.

Nicole Osborne, from Gippsland Soccer League said “It’s been great to see how well the girls have come together as a team in such a short period of time, especially given that the squad began training only a month ago.”

“It’s was a great experience for the girls, and hopefully, the girls came away from the day wanting to keep developing their football skills further.” she said.

The Gippsland team had three games on the day, against Eltham Redbacks, Richmond SC and Fawkner SC.

The girls drew the first game against Eltham, lost the second game against Richmond and winning their last game of the day against Fawkner. Overall the girls finished third in the group stage, missing out on finals on goal difference.  

With the recent announcement of Melbourne City W-League team, the tournament winners, Eltham will head to Melbourne City the City Football Academy in Melbourne, for a unique W-League experience that will see them become a W-League player for the day.

Melbourne City FC Game Development Co-ordinator, Simon Zappia said “Our inaugural girls tournament was a great success with teams from all across Victoria enjoying a great day of football played in a friendly but highly competitive environment.”

“From Melbourne City FC’s behalf we want to thank all the girls who competed along with the parents, coaches and support staff who make it all happen.”

Melbourne City FC Head of Community, Sue Crow said “The Tournament was played in Great Spirit. We (Melbourne City FC) look forward to the Tournament becoming an annual event and growing bigger and better.”

For more information on upcoming female programs in Gippsland, please visit the Gippsland Soccer League website at www.gippslandsoccer.com.au or contact the GSL Office on 5134 8888.