Women’s soccer to get kick started with representative game

Competitive soccer returns to Broome on September 4 when the Broome Soccer Association’s women’s team look to defend its title against Newman. The Broome women have been training hard in preparation for the inter-town game, the first to be played under lights at Father McMahon Sports Field.

The side played an inaugural representative game against Newman last year. Broome won that game 7-2 despite never having played together before or having their own league to practice in. One year on and the women’s game is beginning to gain momentum with the establishment of a stand alone women’s futsal (indoor soccer) competition and specialised training sessions for the Broome squad.

The team have been training hard at Male Oval and BSA secretary Monique Kelly said the team were really looking forward to another game against Newman. “Last year I think we surprised Newman with the way we played. There are a lot of good players up here and this year we again have a good mix of experience and youth, but we are expecting a tougher game against them this time, now they know what to expect from us.”

The popularity has ensured the game will now go outdoors with several women keen to coordinate a social kick at Father McMahon field on Wednesdays to coincide with the BSA’s senior competition, the B Liga.

Ms Kelly said growing the women’s game in Broome was an important part of developing the sport in the region. “We’re keen to create more opportunities for women to participate. Soccer is probably the fastest growing female sport and with the Perth Glory women’s team now up and running and Indigenous pathways for the younger girls. It’s the perfect time to give women in Broome the opportunity to try the sport, have fun and get fit.”

She said it was pleasing to see so many young girls participating in the junior small sided games program. “Hopefully some of these girls will come down and watch us play and we can give them something to aim for in years to come.”

Broome’s development has echoed all the way to Perth where a women’s team from the State Premier league is interested in travelling to Broome to play a game at the end of their season. The Newman game will kick off at 6.30pm all spectators welcome.