NRL Victoria will be hosting its first Female Festival of Footy this Sunday, highlighting players, referees and volunteers that play a key role in promoting and growing the game of rugby league in Victoria.
With female participation numbers growing 50% between 2022 and 2023, the event will be looking to highlight inclusivity, while also promote future pathways in rugby league for Victoria’s top talent.
The Female Festival of Footy will be held at Seabrook Reserve on Sunday 26 May with Come 'N Try Clinics being held for anyone wanting to try rugby league as well as Tackle Ready sessions that teach safe tackling techniques.
Melbourne Storm Female Pathways Manager Pauline Poloai said this weekend’s event is the perfect chance to recognise and celebrate the great work being done in the female rugby league in Victoria.
“Our clubs are family orientated...the connections [the girls] will make at their grassroot level rugby league clubs will stay with them forever and they will walk away like sisters,” Poloai said.
"Rugby league is a growing sport in Victoria, but the Festival of Footy will allow the girls to try something new and to bring awareness to rugby league in Victoria"
“It gives them the opportunity to see that team atmosphere come to life.”
The fun filled day will be the perfect day out for the family with food trucks, face painting, Kangan Institute Giveaway Spinning Wheel, Kieser Physio Station and The Amazing Baby Company colouring competition.
The Female Footy Festival is supported by Melbourne Storm and the Women of Storm initiative in partnership with Co-Presenting Partners Kangan Institute and BMD and supporting partners Cointree, Suzuki, The Amazing Baby Company, Gallaghers and Kieser.
With the support of Women of Storm and its partners, Storm is developing the foundations of its female pathway program to give more young talent the opportunity to wear the purple jersey in the future.
