To celebrate Female Football February, we will be highlighting stories from our community that showcase the pathways and participation opportunities that exist for women and girls within football.
Today, through the account of Andrea Blair-Dempsey, President of Phillip Island Breakers SC, we celebrate the impact of social football in regional Victoria.
Formed in 1994, the Phillip Island Breakers SC has grown from humble beginnings to a become a flourishing football program that includes more than 170 players.
With so many juniors involved and a strong community atmosphere at the Club, a frequent theme emerged - many of the player's mothers were keen to get involved in football but didn't have the time to commit to play competitively.
This acted as a catalyst for the Breaker's President Andrea Blair-Dempsey to introduce a GO Soccer Mum's program, a social form of football for women of all backgrounds and skill levels to get involved in the beautiful game.
Launched directly after the first series of COVID-19 lockdowns, the program provided the perfect platform for people to enjoy football in a relaxed setting, boost community engagement and help people to reconnect after a difficult period of isolation.
The program was run concurrently with the Breaker's first GO 5s competition and women in the community, including many mothers and family members of players, finally had the opportunity to enjoy football in a relaxed setting where they could build their confidence and skills.
Following the positive impact that social football was having in the community, in 2021 the Breakers launched their first GO Girls program.
With the local league unable to offer a girl’s competition due to participation numbers, GO Girls was the perfect solution for juniors to get back onto the field in a girls-only setting.
With 20 participants taking part in a 60-week program, the program proved an enormous success and many girls who had previously never played the game were introduced to football in a welcoming environment which included the highlight of hosting a Girls Gala Night under lights with more than 35 players from the Breakers and surrounding Clubs.
Following the success of last year, the Phillip Island Breakers SC is hoping to run the program again in 2022, highlighting the impact that social football is having in regional areas.
"These types of programs are so important as they provide an alternative to the traditional competitive football environment. Playing in our league can mean up to 90 minutes’ drive to away games which is a big-time commitment. Not everyone has the time for this or the desire to play competitively. Social football increases participation and social engagement within the club," Andrea said.
To learn about our GO Football programs, including GO Soccer Mums and GO Girls visit the Play Football link below.