Kiama Junior Football Club joined the nationwide celebration of Female Football Week in style last week with eight of its 12 female teams playing at home on Saturday.

Female Football Week is a national initiative that celebrates the growth of women’s football at every level and recognises the vital role women play in developing the game on and off the field.

Kiama JFC honoured its 12 all-girl teams, featuring 168 players and more than 60 female coaches, managers and volunteers.

“We had eight teams playing at home on the Saturday,” says Kiama JFC’s female football advocate Ben Morgan.

“There was a great atmosphere - we had a giant inflatable football jumping castle, a photo booth, giveaways, and face painting in club colours. It felt like a really special day.”

Morgan said the club had enjoyed a huge increase in female participation, especially in recent years - a shift he credited in part to the Matildas’ success.

“I’ve coached my daughter’s team since they were under-6s - they’re under-10s now,” he says 

The girls in action at Kiama Sporting Complex on Saturday. Source: Ben Morgan

“Five years ago, Football South Coast didn’t offer a girls’ under-7s comp. We had to move up an age group just to play with other girls. That same age group now has around 30 teams. It’s unreal.”

Morgan said he wanted to continue building on that momentum by creating inclusive and positive spaces that help girls feel confident and motivated to stay in the sport.

“There’s still a big imbalance between boys and girls in football. We need to keep raising awareness and encouraging girls to get involved. Some girls thrive in mixed teams, but others can feel intimidated or go quiet when playing against boys. Having all-girls teams gives them a space to come out of their shell and really enjoy the game.”

Importantly, Morgan believes Female Football Week is not only a celebration of players but of all women in football, including referees, coaches, administrators and volunteers.

“Last year was the first time we really celebrated Female Football Week in a big way,” he says. 

“We want to keep building on that. It’s also about recognising the women working behind the scenes - the volunteers, committee members, and coaches - who help make it all possible.”

As Kiama JFC continues to champion girls’ football, events like Female Football Week play a vital role in building momentum, boosting visibility, and creating a welcoming environment for the next generation of players.