My daughter, like so many other young girls in Northern NSW, is passionate about football and aspires to compete at the highest levels. However, she, along with many others, faces a significant hurdle: the lack of age-appropriate competitions in the Northern NSW Football Premier Youth League. While boys have dedicated U14s and U16s competitions, girls in these age groups are forced to compete for a limited number of spots in older age groups, or in competitions based in Sydney. This disparity is not only disheartening but also unfair.

Currently, the Girls Youth League 1 and 2 in Sydney accommodate U14s and U16s girls' competitions, yet Northern NSW Football has not implemented similar opportunities. This inconsistency perpetuates gender inequality and denies young girls in our region the chance to fully develop their skills and passion for the sport.

This issue isn't just about my daughter. It's about all the young girls in Newcastle and surrounding areas who are eager to pursue football at a competitive level but are unjustly limited by the lack of appropriate pathways. This year, in my daughter’s team alone, 13 out of 15 girls are aging out of the U13s competition and have had to compete against each other for only 5 available spots in the U15s team. This situation is being mirrored across clubs in the region, and it’s not the fault of the girls or the clubs—it's a structural issue that needs to be addressed.

Following the Matildas' inspiring performance at the 2023 Women's World Cup, there has been a significant increase in the number of young women eager to play football at the highest levels. Even the A-League has acknowledged the need for better pathways for young girls (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-26/womens-world-cup-can-football-flourish-australia-matildas/102778608

To support the growth of these future football stars, we are calling on the organisers of the Northern NSW Football League to establish U14s and U16s girls' competitions. This isn't just about fairness—it's about progress, equality, and giving our daughters the opportunities they deserve.

Please sign this petition to help bring about the change that will ensure a fair, inclusive, and competitive environment for all young girls passionate about football in Northern NSW.