James Murphy
THE Steeline Limestone Coast Football Association (LCFA) season kicks off this weekend and the women’s competition looks to be a close one this year.
There were positive signs for all clubs at the recent pre-season carnival and while Blue Lake and International appeared the frontrunners, there was no shortage of close contests.
Blue Lake won but Gambier Centrals was also around the mark with a win over runner-up Inter and a draw against the victors.
Another positive for the league is the representation of all six LCFA clubs in the women’s competition this year, as Naracoorte introduces both a Senior and Under 13 team.
LCFA women’s director Brian Corfield said it was pleasing to have Naracoorte join the fold.
He said while Blue Lake and Inter have recruited well and look to be the teams to beat early on, there could be some shake ups throughout the season.
With a couple of surprise results at the pre-season carnival, Corfield looks forward to a competitive season across the board.
“Round 1 will give us a bit of an indication of who is in the right space and who has worked hard in the pre-season,” he said.
This is Corfield’s second year as women’s director since the amalgamation of the men’s and women’s associations.
He said there has been steady growth in the women’s game recently, with the future looking bright.
Following a change of board at the end of 2021, the LCFA now has several representatives who were previously involved in the now defunct South East Women’s Football Association (SEWFA).
“I think now there are four previous SEWFA board members on the new board,” Corfield said.
“That has been beneficial I think.
“We definitely have the women’s game in mind and with the women’s World Cup which is coming up next year.”
Another focus of the association is the Legacy 23 program run by Football Australia.
The initiative focusses on addressing the inequalities in women’s football, including access to changeroom facilities and opportunities to develop as players.
“There has been a lot more awareness around the women’s and girl’s game,” Corfield said.
“We have done a lot of promo and marketing and tried to get female coaches to attract girls to the game.”
This weekend’s games will all be played on Sunday, with the match of the round between Apollo and Inter.
Centrals matches up against Naracoorte, while Blue Lake plays Millicent.
