First of its kind: Sydney FC to launch exciting all-girls two-day junior football festival in Kiama

Sydney FC are launching an all-female footballing festival in Kiama in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. EARN MORE ABOUT THE LANDMARK FESTIVAL.

SYDNEY FC is set to host a new and exciting all girls multi-day footballing experience in Kiama.

The Female Football Festival is to be the first of its kind, encouraging junior female football players of all abilities from all over New South Wales to travel to Kiama with their teams and participate in a two-day event.

The event, which is to kick off in the April school holidays, is an exciting way for junior footballers aged eight to 15 to experience the enjoyment of travelling with their team to play football.

Mackenzie Hawkesby, midfielder for Sydney FC and the Matildas, made an appearance at a recent Sydney FC junior holiday clinic in Wollongong to talk about the upcoming Festival.

“I think the event is massive,” Hawkesby said.

Stars of the future. Sydney FC and Matildas midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby with her all-girls team at a recent Sydney FC holiday clinic. Photo: Kevin Merrigan

“There were no opportunities like this for me when I was growing up as a young girl playing football, whereas there were always festivals for boys.

“For them to get this experience at this age is huge.”

The Female Football Festival is timed to celebrate the arrival of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July this year.

Sydney FC and Matildas star Cortnee Vine at a recent Sydney FC holiday clinic. Photo: Robbie Szafranek | Sydney FC

Cortnee Vine, another Sydney FC and Matildas star, sees the Festival as an excellent way to promote the upcoming World Cup and get more fans on-board with the Matildas.

“Women’s and girl’s football is growing on a huge scale,” Vine said.

“This will only encourage more participation and more young girls to get involved and have fun playing ahead of the World Cup.

Cortnee Vine alongside some keen junior female football players at a recent Sydney FC holiday clinic. Photo: Robbie Szafranek | Sydney FC

“It’s a really great opportunity for young girls to enjoy playing football, socialise, and spend time together as a team.”

Living in Wollongong but playing a lot of her football in Sydney, Mackenzie Hawkesby is used to the feeling of travelling to play football, something which will be a totally new experience for the junior girls participating in the event.

“I think it’s important for these young girls to see what it’s like to play in different venues,” Hawkesby said.

Sydney FC and Matildas midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby joining in the action at a recent Sydney FC holiday clinic. Photo: Kevin Merrigan

“It’s so good for the game, having girls come from all over New South Wales for an event like this.”

“Grassroots is where the talent comes from across the country, so the more events like this we hold, the more participation we’ll attract and the more opportunity we’ll have in the future.”

Sydney FC players will be on hand at the tournament to give support to the young players and get involved in the festivities.

Sydney FC and Matildas forward Cortnee Vine sharing some wisdom at a recent Sydney FC holiday clinic. Photo: Robbie Szafranek | Sydney FC

Howard Fondyke, Head of Programs at Sydney FC, said: “We want young girls to be able to experience the thrills and excitement of a football festival as well.

“We know the Women’s World Cup is going to be massive so we want to encourage as many girls teams as possible to participate and start the party early.

“Our hope is it will become the largest female football participation festival of its kind in New South Wales.”

Festival information

The Festival will be held at Kiama Sport Complex over the 13th and 14th of April.

The games will be 7-a-side, with teams playing at least six games in a round robin format.

Each team will need between eight and 12 players in their squad, and are encouraged to get their team together and register as quickly as possible due to limited places.

Participants will receive a Sydney FC boot bag, posters, an A-League Women’s Liberty Season Pass for Season 2023/24, trophies for the winning teams, plus other giveaways.

More information and registration details can be found at the Sydney FC website.