As we move through Term 2 of 2026, the Girls United program continues to make a profound impact in the Sunraysia region. This initiative, which is part of the “Girls Leadership through Coaching” journey, has been a cornerstone of our regional growth, working alongside the resilient communities of Coomealla, Dareton, Buronga, and Wentworth.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program, Girls United is specifically designed to tackle the systemic challenges facing young women in sport. In regional areas like Sunraysia, girls often confront barriers such as a lack of safe, inclusive spaces and a shortage of visible female mentors. By providing a female-led environment, we are helping participants move past stereotypes and “labels” that can otherwise become self-fulfilling prophecies.
The curriculum in Term 2 focuses on the “Equal Play Effect,” a framework designed to accelerate gender equity by empowering young women to assume leadership roles. Leadership in this context is about more than winning a match; it is about fostering belonging, teamwork, and the courage to take chances both on and off the pitch.
- High-Impact Soccer Programming: Enhancing resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of pride
- Coach Education: Offering opportunities for young women to develop professional skills and gain qualifications.
- Community Connection: Encouraging participants to apply their skills by coaching at local primary schools, fostering a full-circle mentoring environment.
The results from our regional programs speak for themselves. Participants consistently report significant improvements in optimism and self-efficacy. In Term 2, we are seeing these young leaders develop a lifelong learning mindset, picking up classroom management strategies and adapting to the diverse needs of the younger students they mentor.
"It was really nice seeing some familiar faces again while also meeting some of the younger girls joining the program. The students were really curious, engaged and willing to get involved in every activity, which always makes the sessions enjoyable to facilitate."
By “walking the talk” and repeatedly being inclusive across all activities, the Girls United program ensures that every player feels welcome in our football family. We are not just training athletes; we are developing future-ready leaders who are prepared to make a lasting impact on society.
Want to learn more about our pathway programs? Contact us here.
