In a state first, Northern NSW Football has launched its Kick-On for Women Program; a modified football program to encourage women to get fit through a more social and accessible format of football.
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From October 21, Kick-On for Women will span across 22 locations throughout metropolitan, regional and remote New South Wales and has been made possible thanks to a $162,000 grant provided through the Federal Government's Move It Aus Program.
Within the Mid North Coast there will be three locations including Taree, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
Football Mid North Coast general manager Bruce Potter said the program allowed women the opportunity to meet in a social environment.
"It's something for ladies that want companionship without the competition," he said.
"The pilot strategy went well down at Garden Suburb in Newcastle where it was a purely social get together."
NNSWF chief executive David Eland said the program was born from feedback from mums, sisters and girlfriends in football who were interested in the sport, however not able to overcome the barriers of self-confidence and time commitments.
"By creating safe, comfortable and welcoming environments, women wanting to learn the basic skills of the game can do so in a supportive, judgement-free and social space."
Eland said Kick-On for Women is aimed for females over the age of 16 who are currently not active or have had a period away from organised physical activity and highlighted that the program is deliberately aligned to Sport Australia's Find Your 30 campaign.
"The 45-minute sessions are often run on Monday evenings, to help women kick-start their week," he said.
"They also run over an eight-week term, the shorter format designed to entice women who are time poor due to family and work commitments to participate in the program.
Women's football has never been more popular throughout the region, with NNSWF reporting yet another five per cent increase in female participation across the region in the 2019 traditional football season.