THE dates for the upcoming Limestone Coast Women’s Football League season have been changed, with the competition to more closely align with the 2024 AFLW season.
In recent years the league has started its seasons in January, ending in April.
Last week the decision was made by the LCWFL to move the season to late September, which will then run until mid-December.
The decision will have the Women’s competition played alongside the existing Under 16 girls football season.
The change will be effective immediately, with season nine to begin in late September 2024, meaning two seasons will be contested this year.
The previous format was reviewed due to factors such as extended summer holidays, public holidays, Easter and more recently the Gather Round.
The uncertainty and probability of extreme temperatures and the heat policy – which had several matches abandoned last season – was also taken into consideration.
Limestone Coast Women’s Football League president Sarah Ottoson-Crossling said the decision was made following a lengthy consultation period.
“We have been consulting with players on a move of season timing for some time,” she said.
“While most clubs and players are conceptually supportive of the proposed changes, there are other hurdles that appear which we acknowledge.
“As a group, we felt it was time to act on feedback and make the move.”
The decision to move the season to late September means the women’s football will be played close to the end of the men’s and women’s traditional winter sport finals.
However, the season opener will be less likely to face the other challenges that present themselves during the January to April period.
“Tireless work continues off field, as our League develops to provide more opportunities, for more age groups,” Ottoson-Crossling said.
“The league continues to grow and commit to equality and inclusion for all players and support staff while seeking solid talent pathways to ensure our developing players are being presented with similar opportunities and experiences to those footballers in the city.”
A decision on the start date is expected in the coming weeks and some teams have already started preparation for the approaching season.
“As our season is half the length of the winter sport, this can add pressure for the need to finalise teams and get match fit,” Ottoson-Crossling said.
“Many clubs and in particular players, are proactive and getting ready with a large number currently playing in the Victorian league.
“The change of season will see them ready to hit the field, strong with match fitness at the ready.
SANFL Head of Community Football Shawn Ford voiced the benefits of the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League drawing on the popularity of the AFLW competition, which will coincide with the LCWFL this season.
“I commend the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League committee for bravely opting to move the season to spring,” he said.
“Such choices are challenging, yet they open up new opportunities.
“Incorporating Under 16 girls’ matches as curtain raisers to senior women’s games is establishing a direct pathway for young female talent in the South East to advance into senior football.
“This, combined with the exposure of the AFLW competition, presents a valuable opportunity to attract new female participants to our game.”
Ford also acknowledged the esteemed standing of the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League within the South Australian football community and believes the change of season will continue to elevate the profile of the competition.
“The Limestone Coast Women’s Football League is recognised as one of the most competitive female football leagues in the state,” he said.
“Teams travel from Mundulla to Casterton, Kongorong, and various points in between, facing significant travel demands, yet the players consistently show up and are well supported by family and friends.”
“Being a female footballer in the South East is thrilling right now.
“With ideal weather, minimal interruptions, and top-tier talent wrapping up their season as the SANFLW pre-season begins, the timing could not be better.”
LIMESTONE COAST WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE TEAMS 2024
SENIOR WOMEN: Casterton Sandford, North Gambier, South Gambier, Kongorong, Nangwarry, Millicent, Penola, Kybybolite, Mundulla.
UNDER 16 GIRLS: South Gambier, North Gambier, Kongorong, Kybybolite, Hatherleigh (aligned with Millicent in senior competition).
