Girls United Development Program a success by growing Queensland football

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Football Queensland’s recently implemented Girls United Development Program has proven successful across the state, in the development of young aspiring female coaches.

The Girls United Program has ensured that more than 50 young women from across Queensland are now qualified to coach MiniRoos teams or referee junior matches.

The free Development Programs were held during the September school holidays in Metro South, Metro North, Sunshine Coast and North zones.

FQ Women and Girls Participation Manager Kate Lawson was pleased at the level of interest and engagement from girls throughout the state.

“The Girls United Development Program was a resounding success with 55 girls completing the Level 4 referees’ course and/or the MiniRoos coaching course,” Lawson said.

“For many of the participants, this was their first time they have received any sort of qualification in the referee and coaching space.

“The engagement from the girls was absolutely fantastic, with a number of them showing plenty of promise for the future.

“I’d like to thank the course deliverers and our hosts at Tarragindi Tigers, The Gap FC, Caloundra FC, Nambour Yandina United and FQ North in Townsville.

“Football Queensland will continue to work with clubs from around the state to roll out more Girls United programs in the coming months.”

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci added the Girls United Development Program was helping to grow the game in Queensland.

“The Girls United Development Program is just one of the ways Football Queensland is helping to develop female talent across our game,” Cavallucci said.

“Over the September holidays we ran a series of targeted programs to encourage women and girls’ participation, including social football and sessions designed for older women and multicultural communities.

“Women and girls are the future of football and increasing the number female coaches and referees is a strategic priority as the number of female participants continues to grow.

“We expect many of these young women will continue along the coach or referee pathway and take on positions at clubs around the state.”

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Manchester City open new training centre for Women’s First Team

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Image credit: Manchester City

The training centre opened earlier this week, following years of planning, investment and ambition for Manchester City Women.

State-of-the-art facilities

Recently crowned WSL Champions, Manchester City Women will now be able to train, prepare and recover in a truly special, purpose-built facility.

Covering 17,000 square feet, a world-class gym, strength & conditioning facilities and dressing room, the site will help players  to maximise performances on the pitch.

But given the facilities also received input from players and staff, inspiring added touches like social spaces and recognition for players with over 100 appearances, it is clear that this is a deeply personal project for all involved at Manchester City Women.

As Managing Director of Manchester City Women, Charlotte O’Neill, highlighted, the training centre is a symbol of excellence and ambition.

“This building is about so much more than bricks and mortar,” O’Neill said via press release.

“It is about creating an environment here our players can thrive, where standards are set at the very highest level and where the current squad has everything it needs to continue to compete for and win silverware.”

A winning project, for a winning team. The training centre is sure to propel Manchester City Women to even greater heights in the seasons to come.

 

Continuing investment trends

Furthermore, as the result of an AUD 18.6 million (GBP 10 million) investment and purpose-built for Manchester City Women, it is yet another example of the current strength of WSL investment.

Just a few weeks ago, Brighton & Hove Albion unveiled plans to construct a new venue for its women’s team, delivering on a clear intention to support commercial growth and infrastructure in the women’s game.

But even after winning their first WSL title this season, the message from the board is clear: Manchester City Women are a fundamental part of the club’s long-term vision.

“This new facility marks the next logical step in our long-term commitment to Manchester City Women, and is an important milestone for the club as a whole,” said Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“We have always believed in investing to create the right environment for players and staff to develop and succeed. That approach has underpinned every aspect of our work since the professional relaunch of Manchester City Women in 2014.”

Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

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Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

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