Premier League: Appeal sparks win for women’s football in FNQ
A direct appeal to club presidents, FNQ Football and Football Queensland heads played a significant role in Women’s Premier League games finally being awarded main-event status.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A DIRECT appeal to club presidents, FNQ Football and Football Queensland heads played a significant role in Women’s Premier League games finally being awarded main-event status.
Edge Hill United hosts Leichhardt across FNQ Football’s premier competitions on Saturday and both the men’s and women’s Premier League games are top-of-the-table clashes.
But it is the women’s game which will be played in the prime timeslot — the first time it has occurred for years.
FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj said Edge Hill United first approached the league after a FQ consultation meeting in July.
Former Edge Hill United player and co-coach Rose Calvert was the only woman at that meeting in July, and called out the competition’s treatment when FQ chief executive Robert Cavallucci was in town.
At the time, she said women involved in the Premier League felt “second-rate”.
MORE SPORTS NEWS
NBL makes call on season start date
Faanana tryfest as Penrhyn seals first FNQ Rugby title
Cairns hockey grand final replays: NIGHT 1 / NIGHT 2
On Wednesday, she applauded what she said was a massive step forward for women’s football in the region.
“There’s at least four quality teams producing really good quality games each week but it’s a credit to the clubs and to Alex for making this happen,” Calvert said.
“I just hope it sticks, and potentially next year it could be built into the draw from the start of the year.”
It’s not the only women’s game to be shifted, as four teams are still in the hunt for the league championship.
Leichhardt’s clash with Mareeba was played at 5pm, immediately before the men’s game, while Edge Hill’s home game against JCU Strikers next week will also be played in the 7pm slot.
RELATED: Women’s games headline huge FNQ Football weekend
Srhoj backed clubs for recognising the opportunities to promote the women’s game.
“It started at the club summit,” Srhoj said.
“They knew Edge Hill and Leichhardt would be fighting for the title and they identified the opportunity back then.
“I think it’s fantastic, it’s arguably the biggest game of the year, and I hope the football community gets down there, watches and supports it.”
Edge Hill United president Terry McDonough said it would be an opportunity to showcase the immense talent both teams possess.
It also served as the best advertisement for the strength of women’s football in FNQ in the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
WHILE the scheduling of what could be the game of the season is being celebrated, it is not the only way forward.
Mareeba and Southside have identified Friday nights work best, with two grades of women’s football played back-to-back. FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj said he was encouraged by the clubs’ activity in the space.
THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES
FNQ Women’s Premier League
Friday, 8.30pm: Southside Comets v Innisfail United
Saturday, 7pm: Edge Hill United v Leichhardt
Sunday, 1pm: Mareeba United v Stratford
Originally published as Premier League: Appeal sparks win for women’s football in FNQ