Girls and Women’s Football Week hits the Capital region this week, promising to be action packed. From primary school festivals, high school referee and coach education, to the Women’s Futsal National League – the week offers an array of opportunities for all age groups and skill levels, from first time players, to a competition hosting the best female Futsal players in the country.

Early in the week, Capital Football staff are out in the community running a number of Futsal festivals at the regions top Futsal facilities; Te Rauparaha Arena, the Walter Nash Centre, and the ASB Sports Centre. The festivals are a great way of introducing new players to the game, with local schools, community groups, and clubs all on board with this initiative. Over 1,300 girls, aged 7-12, have registered to participate throughout the week, in what is undoubtedly New Zealand’s fastest growing sport.

As Emma Evans, Capital Football Women’s Development Officer, outlines,

“The festivals are designed for players of all abilities and give girls a chance to try Futsal in a safe and enjoyable environment with their peers.

"With support from the local primary schools, the Festivals break down barriers to participating in sport, in the hope that girls will leave having had a positive experience, feeling confident and wanting to return.”

Mid-way through the week we stop and focus on educating the young aspiring female referees and coaches. Jamie Cross (Capital Football Referee Development Manager), and Callum Holmes (Capital Men’s and Women’s National League Coach) will be hosting a series of workshops tailored to up skill and grow the future of the female game.

Ending the week, we have the Women’s Futsal National League at the ASB Sports Centre over the weekend. The Capital Women’s team, coached by Callum Holmes, has been working hard to put on a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

Holmes, who is also a Capital Football Federation Development Officer, spoke about his team and their prospects this weekend,

“We have a young team that are capable of success. Many of these players have come through our community space which is an area that Capital have been working hard within to grow the female game”

Come down and get involved across the week:

Monday 19th February | Porirua School Festival | Te Rauparaha Arena

Tuesday 20th February | Hutt Valley School Festival | Walter Nash Centre - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Thursday 21st February | Referee and Coach Education | ASB Sports Centre

Friday 23rd February | Wellington School Festival | ASB Sports Centre

Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th February | Women’s Futsal National League | ASB Sports Centre

If you would like to get more involved in the female game please contact Emma Evans, emma@capitalfootball.org.nz

The Capital Women’s squad is listed below, congratulations and good luck to all Capital players for the 2018 tournament. The draw for the weekend can also be found here.

2018 CAPITAL SQUAD

Jenna Reddy
Sarah Alder
Katie Barrott
Chelsea Empson
Claudia Barham
Francesca Grange
Ella Wilson
Jemma Hall
Megan Willis
Nicole Dalley
Emma Main
Libby Boobyer
Maya Hahn
Kelsi Rutene

2018 CAPITAL STAFF

Callum Holmes - Head Coach
Emma Evans - Assistant Coach
Todd Bryant - Manager