Providing us with the inside scoop, President Veronica Elliott of local BellaMonaro Football Club tells us all about their empowering women’s teams and their hopes for the associations future.
BellaMonaro Women’s Football Club was born from the collaboration between our foundation partners, Monaro Panthers and Brindabella Blues Football Clubs. These clubs envisioned creating a pathway to elite football for girls and women in the Brindabella and Monaro Regions. Studies show a significant drop in female sports participation during teenage years and this often continuing into adulthood. Noticing that many young female players struggled to develop alongside boys, our experienced coaches and volunteers initiated female-only football academies. These early initiatives, featuring female-only training sessions, demonstrated remarkable improvements in players’ skills and confidence. The need for a female-friendly training and playing environment became the driving force behind BellaMonaro’s creation.
What are your club values and how does the Queanbeyan community support these?
At BellaMonaro, we are quite dedicated to creating a female-friendly environment for our footballers, from junior girls to young women, including our National Premier League players.
Our goal is to involve women in various roles, from committee members to coaches and managers, ensuring a supportive and understanding community. Our committed female volunteers work tirelessly to make our players feel safe and comfortable, donning female-friendly uniforms and training together at state-of-the-art facilities such as the new Regional Sports Complex at South Jerrabomberra.
We believe in the holistic development of our players, working closely with our foundation club partners, Monaro Panthers and Brindabella Blues FCs, to provide pathways for women and girls to reach the highest levels of play.
As a local club, we are passionate about investing in local talent and invite the Queanbeyan and Monaro communities to watch our games, join as players, volunteer, or support us through sponsorships.
What age groups and levels do you cater to and are there plans for expansion?
BellaMonaro offers a variety of teams, ranging from junior girls under 12 to under 18, as well as all-age women’s teams competing in the Capital Women’s Leagues. As we plan for next season, our goal is to welcome more girls and women, whether they are looking to develop their skills or compete at the highest levels.
What tips can you give young girls aspiring to pursue soccer as a career?
At BellaMonaro, we encourage our players to collaborate with their coaches in setting both individual and team goals. Clear objectives, coupled with constructive feedback from trusted and qualified coaches, are fundamental to our approach. We have found that fostering a supportive, female-friendly environment at BellaMonaro greatly empowers players to achieve their full potential. For young female athletes aspiring to pursue a football career, it is paramount to receive the right support from their club and opportunities to showcase their skills through ample game time.
WHAT are your future plans and ARE THERE ANY new developments for this season?
This year marks a significant milestone for us as we celebrate our promotion to the National Premier League Girls with our under 14s, 15s, and 17s teams. This achievement builds on our past successes in junior leagues.
Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring every player enjoys their football experience. BellaMonaro continues to prioritize player development, offering a supportive environment where female athletes can thrive and feel safe refining their skills.
Looking ahead, we’re already preparing for further growth next year and eagerly anticipate welcoming new players to both our junior girls’ NPLG and women’s competitions. Stay updated with the latest news and updates by following BellaMonaro Griffins WFC on Instagram and Facebook.
