Women’s football is on the rise with a new competition including an Ararat team and it is time for the city to embrace it.
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The Ararat Storm have been trailblazers for the sport in the region, and as the Advertiser reported on Tuesday, a new Western district league is set to go ahead.
The new AFLW competition is expected to not just increase the exposure of women’s footy but to also create a pathway for young girls to strive towards playing football at an elite level.
But to reach the point of playing on a national stage, a player must start playing the game at some point.
That point could be now, with at least 120 youth girls footballers involved in the eight-team competition if it is successful.
This new league is designed to compliment what the Ararat Storm has achieved so far, rather than hinder it, and also gives other clubs a chance to build their own team from scratch.
Girls are participating in football in record numbers and clubs would not just be doing the potential stars of future generations a disservice, but any club involved would benefit from introducing a women’s footy team. Ararat has a proud sporting history with a strong record of elite athletes from the city.
Now with additional opportunities available, the list can be added to with a large proportion of the Ararat Storm squad recruited from Ararat.
But if that is the only Ararat club, then girls will need to make a decision as to whether they consider playing other sports or if they consider moving to a different club that can accommodate them.
This is an exciting time for the sport and it is important people give it the best possible chance of succeeding.
Not just for social reasons, but playing sport has health benefits and also allows players to travel to different areas to play games while exploring different communities.
If women’s football is to be a success in the future, it needs to be successful at the grassroots level.
That success is dependent on clubs taking a chance and pushing aside any risks attached and working with everyone to give young girls the best opportunities they can.
If an extra team does not eventuate, then it will be the sport that suffers alongside the Ararat girls who wish to play football.