The Southern Tablelands Football Association has officially launched its 'What's Best for Her' plan, which plans to "transform the female game" locally.
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The STFA has long made efforts to build the number of female players in Goulburn and the surrounding region, and its latest proposal outlines the steps it will take to achieve that goal from 2021 to 2023.
This idea was developed, STFA director Craig Norris said, during a discussion with the Northern Suburbs Football Association in Sydney.
"They came up with this concept originally, and we had a chat to them about best practice," Norris said.
"They had exactly the same problem that we have. So we talked about old stereotypes and breaking old habits.
"They did a bit of work with us, talking through how they ran, what they did, what they tried to do, and gave us a few pointers. On the whole, they said we're on the right path.
"We had a plan, so we decided to put it on paper."
The association has outlined a number of goals it hopes to reach by the end of the outlined period, which are based on five pillars.
Each pillar has a specific target associated with it, which are as follows:
- Players - 30% player representation
- Coaches - 50% female coaches of girls' teams
- Inclusive and Empowering Culture - 75% player retention
- Pathways - 90% retention rate, 75% rep players
- Media and Communications - 33% media stories
Each of the pillars is broken down in further detail by the STFA, all of which is summarised by a the slogan "Attract. Develop. Retain."
Norris said all of the goals listed by the association are achievable, though some will be more difficult to reach than others.
"The 33% player participation, we're almost there as it is," he said.
"We expect up to 2023 the girls' game will be growing at a faster rate than the boys. The tough one will be getting 50% female coaches, getting the resources behind them to attract and develop and educate them. It's going to be the hardest to achieve, but it's something we're aiming for."
The wheels have already been put in motion by the STFA regarding the 'What's Best for Her' plan, via talks held between the association and the local clubs in November.
"We've already discussed it with the clubs," Norris said.
"We rolled it out to them, told them to go away and have a chat to their people. We're looking at forming an independent female sub-committee that makes recommendations to the STFA board."
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