The talents of aspiring female footballers were on strong display at the recent annual All-Star Football Carnival between IGSSA, ACC and Schools Sports WA, held at Claremont Oval.
Fremantle AFLW stars Aine Tighe, Mim Strom and Orlagh Lally attended the carnival alongside their Senior Coach Lisa Webb to watch on and present best player and carnival championship awards to the winners on the day.
The Club’s partnership with the Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) highlights the importance of developing junior female football to ensure the continual growth of the sport in WA and establish a clear pathway for talent to progress.
IGSSA is made up of eight schools consisting of Iona, Presbyterian Ladies College, Perth College, St Hilda’s, Methodist Ladies College, Santa Maria College, Penrhos College and St Marys, with 40 teams ranging from year 7 to year 12.
Fremantle AFLW Senior Coach Lisa Webb said the annual event played an important role in the further promotion and development of women’s football in WA.
“We love supporting the IGSSA All Stars Carnival, it’s a fantastic event and the talent on show is phenomenal,” Webb said.
“We’ve seen some of these familiar faces before, Zippy Fish getting a medal again just shows how important this competition is considering she also won the League MVP in the Grand Final earlier this year.”
“Our girls are big supporters of this competition and have been for three years now.
“I think the exciting part for them is watching some of their potential future teammates, the talent on show is incredible and the girls show great passion to want to develop this level of competition.”
Executive Officer at IGSSA Louise Carson highlighted the importance that IGSSA holds in strengthening female football in the community.
“For some of our students, IGSSA football is their first exposure to playing competitive matches,” Carson said.
“There is so much raw talent out there, and this match exposure through the IGSSA competition is an important stepping stone for many of our players.
“Exposure to school football leads into community football, and for many players, Rogers Cup team selection.
“Whilst our IGSSA season is a short one-term season, this also allows many of our top players to play for both their school and club, and this connection with both school and community sport is important.”
Carson echoed Webb’s sentiment on the opportunity to have a number of Fremantle’s AFLW athletes on hand to support the carnival and present awards to participants.
“IGSSA is very grateful to have the support of FFC for not only our School Competitions, but the All-Stars Team,” Carson said.
“Having access to AFLW players is invaluable for our students.
“Role models are vital, and for our students to see the possible pathways that AFLW can present to them, coupled with the positive interactions with the AFLW players is wonderful.”
