In the excitement of the World Cup, Libby Davy is encouraging more girls to get into the game.

Libby, 9, of Coromandel Valley, is the only girl in her soccer team at the Cove Football Club and is a keen advocate for the sport.

“It’s a lot of fun and you get to be really active,” Libby says.

“Not many girls play because they are scared to play with the boys but it’s a bit different when you get used to it and get to know them.

“I think it’s a really good sport and more girls should have a go.”

Football Federation SA has 618 registered girls under the age of 10 playing across the state, compared to 3,622 boys of the same age.

Libby has been playing soccer for three years and her mum, Sian Davey, says she has her older brother Cole, 12, to thank.

“I would say it’s because of her brother Cole putting her in the net from a young age that she is pretty fearless,” Mrs Davey says.

“Libby is an enthusiastic ambassador for girls in football… She now has three other girls playing for her school team.”

Libby plays for Craigburn Primary School and Cove FC as a goal-keeper.

Mrs Davey says there are no all-girl soccer clubs in the area. They hope that the excitement generated by the World Cup will attract more girls Libby’s age to play.

“The Women’s game is growing in strength at the higher age groups and encouraging girls to play at a younger age can only benefit the game,” she says.

Cove FC Chairman Andy Fry says Libby is one of only two girls – both under 10 at the club.

 

Article by Sarah Spencer - The Messenger
Photo by The Messenger