With Female Football Week underway across the state and country, Football Queensland is excited to spotlight the growing participation opportunities open to women and girls throughout Queensland, enabling them to immerse themselves in the beautiful game.
Launched in 2023, the Girls United Social League in the Northern region continues to grow in popularity thanks to its relaxed and inclusive format, attracting and retaining women and girls of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Aligned with Football Queensland’s goal of achieving 50/50 gender parity by 2027, the league offers a flexible football experience tailored to participants of all skill levels, structured in eight-to-10-week blocks across the four terms, ensuring easy access and enjoyment for all involved.
“Girls United Social League is for any and all women and girls looking to get involved in the game,” FQ Officer – Participation, Women and Girls Leah Gubb said.
“We have new players, returning players, young and older players. It really is for anyone who wants to have a bit of fun, get a bit of fitness in by kicking a ball around with some friends in a social and relaxed space.
“Everyone is having a good time, the music is going, all the little kids are dancing away while the game is going. It’s very good to have that more relaxed atmosphere for the players while still having a strong enjoyable football aspect involved as well.”
The league’s structure and inclusive environment serve as the main attraction for players in the region, with accessibility to the game transcending age groups, thereby fostering a welcoming space where women and girls can unite to enjoy a sense of community and camaraderie.
“We have seen mostly players around the 30+ age group in the league, but we also have lots of younger players, 15 and 16-year-olds involved too who have never played before but joined up or jumped in with their mum in pervious terms and are continuing out of pure love for the game and what the program offers,” Gubb said.
“Since the league began in the Northern region, it has just got bigger and bigger. In term four last year we had 18 teams, with a 70% retention rate, and the appetite continues to grow because the players love the relaxed concept, what the league is about, and the community feel that they themselves and the other participants have created.”
Girls United League provides a stress-free environment for women and girls to participate in 6-a-side football games and competitions, providing another accessible avenue to accommodate the observed 25% increase in outdoor football participation among female players in the Northern region in 2024.
Natalie Judge, Women & Girls Ambassador at Wulguru United Football Club in the Northern region, emphasised the importance of dedicated female programs like Girls United in fostering and retaining the growth of the women’s game across all age groups.
“There have been a few players that had never played football before joining Girls United at the club, and after giving the different and more relaxed format a go we have seen a massive change in their overall self-confidence, it has been great,” Judge said.
“The club had previously struggled retaining younger female players in the mixed teams, but now we get feedback from parents about how the all-female Girls United format has boosted the confidence and the enjoyment that girls get from the game.”
Drawing from her personal experiences growing up with the sport, Natalie highlighted how programs like Girls United are instrumental for women and girls, providing avenues to stay active and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of football, which were previously inaccessible due to the lack of dedicated opportunities for women and girls in the region.
“I’ve been playing since I was 6 years old and girls like me didn’t get an opportunity like this when we were younger, so with Girls United now in Townsville we have seen one of the biggest participation uptakes in the 30+ age group in the Northern region which shows just how supported and beneficial we all find it,” Judge said.
“Mental health is such a big issue in today’s society and having an outlet like the league to be able to have some fun, have a social life, have a run around with your friends for 40 minutes kicking a ball, it is a no brainer.”
Find more about Girls United here
