THE feelgood factor from the Women’s World Cup is still alive with the City of Fremantle announcing a three-year sponsorship of the Girls Festival of Community Soccer.

On Saturday March 16, more than 500 girls will play in a five-a-side tournament at Fremantle Oval.

• Could the next Sam Kerr or Mary Fowler be playing at the Girls Festival of Community Soccer, which is back after a successful launch last year.

A total of 35 teams played in the inaugural Festival last year, which was inspired by the Women’s World Cup matches held in Perth.

The 2024 tournament is a sell-out with 62 teams from 12 clubs participating – up 80 per cent from last year – with most based in the southern suburbs.

Fremantle City Football Club academy coach Yasmin Philp says they are leading the way in women’s soccer.

• Sam Kerr

“Fremantle City Football Club proudly takes the lead as WA’s largest female football club,” she says. “The club has an ambitious goal in mind – gender parity within 2027.

“The Festival is a significant step in this direction and provides a wonderful opportunity for all girls to enjoy the game.”

Enrolment fees will support the Festival’s charity partner, the Child Cancer Research Foundation, led by CEO Andrea Alexander.

“Support from this event will assist with vital life-saving research into childhood cancers,” she says.

Each team will play a minimum of four games, with players ranging in age from 8 to 17 years old.

• Mary Fowler

Girls Festival of Community Soccer organiser Traci Gamblin says there has been a great reaction to the event.

“The enthusiasm we’re seeing for the Festival confirms the community’s understanding of the wide-reaching benefits to girls from playing team sports,” she says.

“This great event offers girls an opportunity to play a sport they love, in a fun and supportive festival atmosphere.”

The Festival is sold out, but there is a waitlist in case of cancellations. For more info go to www.festivalofcommunitysoccer.com.au.