Football
6 April, 2025
The rise of female footy
A new era is kicking off in the Wimmera, as the region prepares to host its first-ever female football competition in 2025.
In a significant win for women’s sport, the Wimmera Football Netball League (WFNL) has confirmed that local clubs are locked in and ready to make history when the season launches this May.
Three clubs will field senior teams: Laharum Football Netball Club, Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club, and Minyip Murtoa Football and Netball Club.
Laharum FNC, Horsham FNC, and a combined Warrack Eagles/Minyip Murtoa FNC team will compete in the U14.5 category.
The move signals a significant step forward for female participation in football in the Wimmera, offering local women and girls the opportunity to play the sport in a structured, supportive environment.
WFNL Chair Peter Ballagh praised the collaboration and dedication that made the competition a reality.
“We are thrilled to see female football take its place in the WFNL and are grateful to everyone who has made this possible,” he said.
“All the passionate people involved have done an amazing job.”
Mr Ballagh acknowledged that although the initial plan was to introduce female football in 2026 or 2027, the enthusiasm of the participating clubs brought the timeline forward.
“There have been discussions later in the season last year to start the female footy from 2026 or 2027, but the clubs participating this season have driven the idea to us and we decided to go ahead,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for clubs to grow membership for the years to come.”
Mr Ballagh confirmed that fixtures and further details for the new competition are expected to be released next week.
Laharum Football Netball Club president Hamish Roberts said his club is ready to embrace the opportunity.
“We as a club and our players are genuinely very excited and ready to go,” he said.
“These girls are the pioneers, and it would be a great league for years to come.”
Mr Roberts also thanked everyone involved in laying the groundwork for the season ahead.
“There was a lot of work involved in the background and everyone involved needs appreciation, including Laharum FNC, Horsham Demons FNC, Warrack Eagles FNC, Minyip-Murtoa FNC and the WFNL to make it happen,” he added.
Laharum FNC currently boasts 25 senior female footballers and a dozen players in the U14.5 group, primarily from Horsham and Laharum.
The club is continuing to recruit, particularly for its junior side.
As the countdown to the opening round begins, the WFNL is encouraging interested players to contact participating clubs, as some teams are still seeking players.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for women’s sport in the Wimmera, one built on passion, persistence and community spirit.