Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I take this opportunity to commend Loganholme Lightning FC women's team for their entry into the women's National Premier Leagues. Whilst it has been an unfortunately difficult start for the team in a new league at a much higher level, I congratulate the club for the work they have done to ensure they have a team in the women's NPL. To see the club, family and friends cheering them on reminds me of what a great exhibition for and representation of our community these female football teams are. I think it's very relevant this week, as we move into rebel Female Football Week, a nationwide initiative to celebrate the immense growth of women's football at all levels of the game and to acknowledge and promote the important role that women's football provides in developing football around the country. The Australian women's football team, the Matildas, have left the men in the shade, so to speak, with the tremendous crowds they had in the series last year and their tremendous world ranking. They have a trip coming up to the Women's Asian Cup. They also have the World Cup coming up. They are a tremendous example and provide the opportunity for so many young girls and women to have a career in football.