Football West joins Football Australia in welcoming the 2025 Female Football Week, recognising the contributions of women and girls in football across the state.
Female Football Week (FFW) is a nationwide initiative that focuses on the crucial role that women and girls in football play in the community, whilst celebrating their achievements across every sector of the game.
FFW will take place from 2-10 May, and have numerous activations and events as part of the initiative, including coaching courses, webinars and a free girls five-a-side tournament.
Events taking place:
Monday 5 May
Coaching Webinar: Backing High-Performing Teams Off the Field
This session is tailored for community coaches, aspiring coaches, and parents of players. Learn how the off-field environment we shape can have a big impact on on-field success. Hear from guest speakers as they share strategies for creating safe, supportive spaces that help individuals thrive both on and off the pitch.
Hosted by Women Onside’s Samantha Lewis, the panel will also share their personal journeys in football and explore how we can continue to grow the game across Australia.
Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)
Panellists:
- Janet Drakos – National Female Wellbeing Manager, Football Australia
- Faye Chambers – Coach Education Tutor, Football Australia
- Louise McColl – Coach Education Tutor, Football Australia
- Lizzie Ramsey – Coach Engagement Lead, Growing Football Fund, Football Australia
Wednesday 7 May
Female Football Week Award Winners Announced
Join us as we reveal this year’s Female Football Week Award recipients, recognising the outstanding contributions of women across all levels of the game.
Awards include: Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Club Champion of the Year
Volunteers Webinar: Securing and Delivering a Successful Grant Project
Designed for clubs aiming to strengthen their grant applications and deliver impactful projects, this webinar will explore what makes a strong grant proposal, how to build relationships with key stakeholders, and how to plan and manage a successful grant budget.
Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)
Panellists:
- Michaela Haley – General Manager, Growing Football Fund, Football Australia
- Jess Woodroffe – Director & Secretary, Launceston City FC
- Nikola Orgill – Senior Manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Women’s Asian Cup 2026 LOC
- Jessica Clay – Finance Manager, Planning and Reporting, Football Australia
Thursday 8 May
Officiating Webinar: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Sports Officiating
Aimed at community members and aspiring referees, this session features a panel of experienced female officials discussing their pathways in elite refereeing. Learn how they’re shaping supportive environments to help more women and girls thrive in sports officiating.
Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)
Panellists:
- Karen Hennessy – National Female Engagement Lead, Football Australia
- Belinda Sharpe – NRL Match Official & Project Coordinator, Strategy & Umpire
- Eloise Sheridan – Learning and Development Lead, Refereeing (Football Australia) & International Umpire (Cricket Australia)
Friday 9 May
Women in Football Breakfast
Join us for a special celebration of women in football over breakfast at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The event will feature a panel Q&A with inspiring voices in the game, reflecting on progress, challenges, and the future of women’s football.
Note: This event is fully subscribed
Saturday 10 May
Girls 5-a-Side Tournament
Football West invites girls to join a FREE five-a-side tournament as part of the Female Football Week celebrations.
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Sam Kerr Football Centre
Eligibility: Open to girls born between 2009–2011 (U14–U16)
A great opportunity to showcase skills, make new friends, and be part of the football community!
All-Female C Diploma Coaching Course
Join us for the fourth and final contact of the FREE All-Female C Diploma coaching course at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
