Game On! $6 Million Boost to Keep Teenage Girls in Sport Announced Ahead of Matildas Blockbuster Semi-Final
The State Government has launched a new $6 million program designed to keep teenage girls involved in sport, just days before the Australian women's soccer team, the Matildas, face China in the AFC Women's Asian Cup semi-final.
Addressing the Drop-Off in Participation
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti announced the Game On, Girls fund on Sunday during the UWA Girls Invitational Tournament. This initiative will be rolled out over four years to help clubs remove barriers that often cause teenage girls to drift away from sport.
Clubs can now receive grants of up to $5,000 to fund uniforms, equipment, programs, and leadership and coaching opportunities. These efforts are aimed at creating stronger team environments and keeping girls engaged during their teenage years.
"Western Australia has a proud sporting culture, but we know talent and passion alone aren't always good enough to keep teenage girls involved," Ms Saffioti said. "Game On, Girls is about helping local clubs create environments where young women feel supported, safe, and confident to participate."
Targeting Girls Aged 13 to 17
The program specifically targets girls aged 13 to 17, addressing a sharp decline in participation during adolescence. Research indicates that girls' participation in sport drops from 83% at age nine to as low as 23% by age 15.
"Research tells us that girls' participation in sport drops from 83 per cent at age nine to as low as 23 per cent by age 15, and that lack of confidence and self-belief is a key barrier to keeping young female players involved in sport," Ms Saffioti explained.
Surge in Women's Football Participation
Despite the drop-off during teenage years, women's football participation has surged recently, fueled by the success of the Matildas and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"We've seen an incredible growth in participation since really the Matildas and the World Cup, about a 40% growth participation over the past four years," Ms Saffioti noted.
Long-Term Benefits of Investment
UWA Nedlands Football Club president, Alexandra Lyons, emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in girls' sport.
"We're really excited for any kind of investment in women's and girls' sport," she said. "We know that women have much better life outcomes, whether it's safety, economic mobility and health outcomes if they play sport, particularly in their teenage years."
Personal Passion for the Game
For 16-year-old player Charlie, who plays in the under-21 MPL side at UWA, football has been a passion since she started at age nine. She now aims to play college soccer in the United States.
"I fell in love with it like straight away," she said. "It brought me a lot of joy and freedom. I got to just run around and have fun with my friends and teammates. It gives me a way to just run around and not have the school and all that."
A Call to the Sporting Community
Ms Saffioti framed the new program as a call to action for the wider sporting community to support girls in staying active.
"Whether you are a coach, parent, club leader or teen ready to play, this is your invitation to ensure sport remains a lifelong passion," she stated.
The Matildas will take on China at 6pm on Tuesday, 17 March at Optus Stadium.
