Ballarat's Total Girl soccer event is kicking goals

BY DAVID BREHAUT
24 Mar, 2012 12:55 AM

THE growing stature of Ballarat’s Total Girl Soccer Tournament will be reinforced today.
The federal Minister for Sport, Kate Lundy, is using the biggest soccer tournament in Australia as the platform to launch the Football Federation Victoria “Women’s Football Week”.

FFV chief executive officer Mark Rendell said the two-day tournament at Ballarat Grammar School was a fitting backdrop for the launch.

“This is a true community-owned and operated event, established by a group of parents in 2005 with a passion for the world game.

“This same group continues to work voluntarily to stage this remarkable event which attracts young girls from all over Victoria,” he said.

Female participation in soccer in Victoria has grown by 30 per cent since 2007, with almost 11,000 players, coaches and referees involved last year.

Rendell said this increase had been identified as a major initiative in FFV’s newly unveiled strategic plan.

“Women’s Football Week is a tremendous way to showcase the outstanding achievements made by women across Victoria,” he said.

The tournament’s organisers expect 5000 players, spectators and officials to converge on the Ballarat Grammar School today and tomorrow.

The seven-a-side carnival has attracted more than 100 teams from across Victoria, ranging from under-10s to under-16s.

Ballarat primary and secondary schools, and soccer clubs will be well represented.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/ballarats-total-girl-soccer-event-is-kicking-goals/2499304.aspx