ALDI MiniRoos National Forum to focus on female football participation

Committed, community-focused representatives from across Australia will convene in Coogee over the next two days as the 2018 version of the ALDI MiniRoos National Forum is held.

This year representatives from FFA will be joined by staff from each of Australia’s nine Member Federations, stakeholders from Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League clubs, and experts from various other organisations including ALDI, nab, Our Watch, and the University of Newcastle, as discussions regarding how to improve and advance the game at grassroots level take place.

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During the two-day event 2018 ALDI MiniRoos National Forum attendees will have the chance to learn from industry experts, contribute to the strategic roadmap regarding football participation at grassroots level, and advance their understanding regarding the barriers to increasing female football participation in Australia.


Football Federation Australia’s Head of Community, Football Development, and Women’s Football, Emma Highwood, said the event is an important one on FFA’s calendar as it provides people from many areas of the game with the chance to share their views and experience for the betterment of football.

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“Each ALDI MiniRoos National Forum brings together a wide array of people who work in the game at the grassroots level or in the community space,” said Highwood. “By bringing everyone together we can provide a space where ideas can be shared, and challenging discussions can be had, which will ultimately help to create better outcomes and plans for football.”

“Our key priorities at this year’s ALDI MiniRoos National Forum are to ensure everyone in attendance advances their understanding of the cultural and social barriers to increasing female participation, and works together to develop a 12-month plan for increasing the amount of females playing football. It is also our goal to ensure a collaborative environment where all stakeholders feel comfortable to share their knowledge, and can grow their network and therefore support structures,” concluded Highwood.

Presentations regarding FFA’s bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and FFA’s 50:50 Legacy Plan will help kick-off the event. Participants will also take part in Gender Equality Training and learn about the journey from a football participant to football fan on day one.

Day two – which will be hosted by FOX SPORTS commentator and presenter, Brenton Speed – will include a keynote speech regarding the importance of male role models to support female football participation, presentations regarding the roles marketing, parents and influencers play in supporting the growth of female participation, as well as a significant amount of group work regarding achievable 12-month targets for the grassroots game.