“It’s a great opportunity to reach out to girls who are interested in getting involved in footy,” Swallow told kangaroos.com.au.
“I’m looking forward to taking them through some skills and I might even try to convert them into North fans.”
Participation is already at record levels with 79,224 women involved in the sport across the country.
In light of this remarkable growth, the need for specified programs has increased and North Melbourne’s groundbreaking partnership with the Melbourne Uni Women’s Football Club (MUWFC) has helped fill the void significantly.
25 girls from across Melbourne aged nine to twelve will receive specialist coaching from Swallow and Melbourne Uni players.
“Women’s football, both at a junior and senior level, is the biggest growth sector of the football market,” MUWFC player Emma Phillips told kangaroos.com.au.
“In the past there haven’t been as many opportunities for girls to be involved in higher level football so the North Melbourne and MUWFC Girls Academy is a great starting point.”
General Manager of the Learning and Life Centre Sonja Hood is thrilled with the involvement of the MUWFC as North Melbourne continues to support the increasing popularity of women’s football.
“This new alliance is exciting and valuable for both organisations as we work together to promote women’s football. The MUWFC provides strong role models for girls in our community. The growth of women’s football is strong, and the North Melbourne Football Club is proud to be a part of this initiative.”
North’s Girls Academy reinforces the club’s commitment to women’s and girls’ football and promotes inclusiveness of women in the sport.
“With females making up 50 percent of all football spectators it’s important to promote women’s football and women’s involvement in football,” North Melbourne chief executive officer Eugene Arocca said.
“To have this structured Girls Academy in association with MUWFC is a great opportunity to utilise our facilities for further engagement in our community and in particular, women’s football.”
The 2011 Girls Academy will kick off at Aegis Park, Arden Street on Saturday 6th of March.
For more information on this or any other community programs run by the North Melbourne Learning & Life Centre please contact ‘The Huddle’ at huddle@kangaroos.com.au
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