Football SA stars want to inspire next generation in celebration of 100 years of women’s soccer

SA’s best women’s soccer players will vie for a finals spot in the National Premier League’s penultimate round on Friday, but there will be a bigger occasion on the agenda.

Football SA women's players will celebrate history in the 100-year anniversary of women's soccer in SA. They will be wearing the pictured vintage style long sleeve and collar strips on Friday. L-R Georgia Iannella (Adelaide University), Nanako Sasaki (Adelaide Comets), Natasha Vella (Fulham United), Ella Tonkin (Football SA NTC), Vanessa Reed (Metro United) Chantelle Ryder (Salisbury Inter), Bianca Gray (Adelaide City) and Lucy Adamopoulos (West Adelaide). Picture: Mark Brake

Football SA’s Women’s National Premier League players will mark 100 years of Australian women’s soccer during Friday night’s penultimate round.

All eight teams will take to the pitches at VALO Football Centre for their matches in a showcase of the state’s best talent during what is a major milestone in the sport.

While teams will be chasing a finals spot with the post-season fast approaching, Football SA NTC and Adelaide United player Ella Tonkin said a win isn’t the only goal.

“We want to try and set an example in our league and in our game – get out and show young girls that they can do it,” she said.

“We want to inspire the next generation.”

The centenary celebration is a moment of huge significance for FSA’s women’s players, many of whom didn’t think they would have the opportunity to play soccer long-term.

“It’s really hard to comprehend the achievement. It’s very exciting,” Tonkin said.

“It’s such a privilege for me that I’m able to play every year and the fact there are now opportunities to make a career out of it is amazing.”

The women’s and girl’s game in South Australia has grown exponentially in recent years, with each club now fielding multiple teams and state and development squads building each season.

Adelaide City’s Bianca Gray said the centenary celebrations would be the perfect time to acknowledge the strength of the sport in the state.

Football SA women's stars L-R Georgia Iannella (Adelaide University), Nanako Sasaki (Adelaide Comets), Natasha Vella (Fulham United), Ella Tonkin (Football SA NTC), Vanessa Reed (Metro United), Chantelle Ryder (Salisbury Inter), Bianca Gray (Adelaide City) and Lucy Adamopoulos (West Adelaide). Picture: Mark Brake

“It’s only getting bigger and better here in South Australia,” she said.

“It’s amazing to celebrate 100 years and it’s so exciting to think about where we could be and what we could achieve in the future.

“Even when I was younger, the opportunities for state teams weren’t as big as they are now. There’s really been a boost for what women can do.”

With a big crowd expected and all eight WNPLSA sides going head-to-head during the centenary round, Gray said there will be no better time to promote women’s soccer.

“You see with the Olympics and in World Cups, when women are put on display everyone sees what they can do,” she said.

“Being able to celebrate on Friday means a lot to me and I hope we get as many people there as possible so we can show that we belong and that we deserve the increased opportunities.

“It will be women’s soccer at its best.”

Matches will begin from 6pm on Friday with Salisbury Inter taking on Adelaide Comets, West Adelaide clashing with Adelaide University, Metro United facing Football SA NTU, and Adelaide City playing Fulham United.