The FIFA ‘Live Your Goals’ campaign strives to create awareness and increase participation of girls and women in football and generate excitement about women’s football all over the world. With over 1000 young girls joining in on the action and over 70 new Miniroos participants signed up as a result of the festival, it’s fair to say that in Tasmania, it was very much mission accomplished.
From Montello to KGV, wherever the festival traveled to, the girls flocked to it all around the state. Smiling faces and eager participants greeted those running the sessions, as the girls enthusiastically joined in on the footballing festivities. This was football at its purest form, far away from the big stadiums, and inflated salaries, it was a reminder of the pure joy that football can bring at any level, and the power it has to both empower and inspire young players.
With 11 events staged all around the state, girls from all corners of Tasma
nia were able to meet and play with the star attraction of the festival, Matildas Striker Michelle Heyman. The Live Your Goals ambassador hoped that she could help inspire the next generation of female footballers, and given the reception she received from participants, there seems little doubt she did just that.
“I was really excited when I was asked to be a ‘Live Your Goals’ ambassador and having the chance to come to Tasmania and spend some time with the young female players and students has been great.” said Heyman.
“The girls are all so keen, I’m stoked to be a part of this and I hope that being a role model to them will help them dream big and enjoy all of the benefits that football brings.”
Speaking of stars, none of this would have been possible without the driving force behind the festival, FFT Women's Development Officer, Holly Ayton who put in a mountain of work to ensure the festival was a resounding success. Ayton spoke to the legacy she hoped the festival would leave behind.
"FIFA Live Your Goals has not only inspired many young girls across Tasmania to start or continue playing football and to follow their dreams. The Festival has also given hope to many people across the state, in believing that women's football is on the rise and that as a Federation we will support clubs and schools to provide safe, fun and encouraging environments for young girls and women.”
Wit
h over 70 young girls signing up for AIA Vitality MiniRoos Kick-Off for Girls programs in Tasmania after taking part in the initiative earlier this month, that legacy seems all but assured.
Ayton said that enjoyment was the major focus of the football festivals that started in Launceston before moving up to Burnie and Devonport and finally finishing up in Hobart.
“At every event I was blown away by the club representatives who turned up to volunteer their time and to ensure that each and every girl who attended Live Your Goals enjoyed their experience, and by the smiles on their faces, their parents and their teachers faces I most certainly would say they did.”
The events also saw Matildas coach Alan Stajic heading down early in the week to cast his eye over the next generation of players.
“There could be the next little kid in Tasmania, in Launceston or in Devonport, you never know. There is kids with talent all around and we have to make sure there’s a pathway.” Stajic said.
Football Federation Tasmania CEO Mike Palmer reflected glowingly on the success of the events.
“The ease of football and the ability for every one of all abilities to participate made the week a success."
“The joy of participation was clearly apparent across every session and to see so many young ladies motivated around football was an on-going special moment at each and every session.”
Whether these young girls go on to become the next Michelle Heyman, or they simply play the game as a way to spend time with their friends, the benefits of getting involved in the world game were on full display throughout the week and the legacy of the Live Your Goals festival will be felt in Tasmania for years to come.
Andrew Cooling for FFT.
From Montello to KGV, wherever the festival traveled to, the girls flocked to it all around the state. Smiling faces and eager participants greeted those running the sessions, as the girls enthusiastically joined in on the footballing festivities. This was football at its purest form, far away from the big stadiums, and inflated salaries, it was a reminder of the pure joy that football can bring at any level, and the power it has to both empower and inspire young players.
With 11 events staged all around the state, girls from all corners of Tasma
nia were able to meet and play with the star attraction of the festival, Matildas Striker Michelle Heyman. The Live Your Goals ambassador hoped that she could help inspire the next generation of female footballers, and given the reception she received from participants, there seems little doubt she did just that.
“I was really excited when I was asked to be a ‘Live Your Goals’ ambassador and having the chance to come to Tasmania and spend some time with the young female players and students has been great.” said Heyman.
“The girls are all so keen, I’m stoked to be a part of this and I hope that being a role model to them will help them dream big and enjoy all of the benefits that football brings.”
Speaking of stars, none of this would have been possible without the driving force behind the festival, FFT Women's Development Officer, Holly Ayton who put in a mountain of work to ensure the festival was a resounding success. Ayton spoke to the legacy she hoped the festival would leave behind.
"FIFA Live Your Goals has not only inspired many young girls across Tasmania to start or continue playing football and to follow their dreams. The Festival has also given hope to many people across the state, in believing that women's football is on the rise and that as a Federation we will support clubs and schools to provide safe, fun and encouraging environments for young girls and women.”
With over 70 young girls signing up for AIA Vitality MiniRoos Kick-Off for Girls programs in Tasmania after taking part in the initiative earlier this month, that legacy seems all but assured.
Ayton said that enjoyment was the major focus of the football festivals that started in Launceston before moving up to Burnie and Devonport and finally finishing up in Hobart.
“At every event I was blown away by the club representatives who turned up to volunteer their time and to ensure that each and every girl who attended Live Your Goals enjoyed their experience, and by the smiles on their faces, their parents and their teachers faces I most certainly would say they did.”
The events also saw Matildas coach Alan Stajic heading down early in the week to cast his eye over the next generation of players.
“There could be the next little kid in Tasmania, in Launceston or in Devonport, you never know. There is kids with talent all around and we have to make sure there’s a pathway.” Stajic said.
Football Federation Tasmania CEO Mike Palmer reflected glowingly on the success of the events.
“The ease of football and the ability for every one of all abilities to participate made the week a success."
“The joy of participation was clearly apparent across every session and to see so many young ladies motivated around football was an on-going special moment at each and every session.”
Whether these young girls go on to become the next Michelle Heyman, or they simply play the game as a way to spend time with their friends, the benefits of getting involved in the world game were on full display throughout the week and the legacy of the Live Your Goals festival will be felt in Tasmania for years to come.
Andrew Cooling for FFT.