With just under two months until the beginning of the Westfield W-League, the FFA and PFA have taken steps designed to accelerate the growth of the competition.
A joint working party has been announced to ensure the continued growth and commercialisation of the Westfield W-League, which begins on November 5.
“Football has had a national women’s league since we launched the Westfield W-League in 2008/9 and has enjoyed strong growth over that period,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.
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Brisbane Roar will open the ninth edition of the Westfield W-League against Sydney FC.
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Brisbane Roar FC, along with remaining Westfield W-League clubs will be included in the Working Party, designed to build upon strong foundations and provide direction and goals for the future in the following areas:
- Competition structure
- Competition format
- Club infrastructure
- Players’ terms and conditions.
PFA CEO John Didulica said the players were committed to ensuring the Working Group was successful in advancing the interests of the sport.
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“Football offers unparalleled career opportunities for an increasing number of young Australian women, through its position as the fastest growing team sport and through its established global pathways,” Didulica said.
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The Westfield W-League 2016/17 season will feature a record number of double headers with Hyundai A-League games, providing an opportunity for more spectators to watch Australia’s top level female footballers in action.
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The Roar Women will play two matches at Suncorp Stadium before Hyundai A-League matches on December 11 (versus Adelaide United) and January 7 (versus Western Sydney Wanderers).
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Didulica says the professionalisation of the competition will enhance the opportunity for hundreds of female footballers to play football at the highest standard domestically and internationally.
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“The Westfield W-League is a critical cornerstone of women’s football and a critical step toward international success,” he said.
Head of Westfield W-League Greg O’Rourke agreed that  the working group would further enhance the solid foundations that has been built during the first eight seasons of the Westfield W-League.
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“The focus now is on building a league which is sustainable but more professional on many levels to ensure growth for the club and players alike,” O’Rourke said.
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“We need to ensure the platform allows us to move to more games for the players and fans with the addition of more rounds and potentially more teams.
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“The growth of the league and the resulting revenues will work hand in hand with meeting the expectations of the community and players around wages and conditions.”
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