Author: Tanya Seabrook

If we go back a few years to 2019, how would you describe Kissing Point FC and the female side of the club?

In 2019, we had 195 women and girls playing football, out of about 800 players overall, so 24% participation rate. There were a few girls only miniroos teams (with many girls playing mixed Miniroos), and sporadic age groups through juniors given some age groups were low in numbers. It was hard to provide both development opportunities and opportunities for social football, basically due to lack of numbers.

However, we had a passionate team and a great club atmosphere, so the foundations for building the female side of the club were in place. Players and families were very engaged and committed, and their enthusiasm was a real catalyst for our growth.

By 2022 we have grown to 359 women and girls with a 34% participation rate (exceeding the NSFAs target, and growth of 85%), and aim to grow that much further over the next few years. Indeed, we note FFAs lofty 50% target by 2027, which we heartily strive for.

What were the key steps/strategies implemented that had a positive impact?

First of all we start with a policy equal representation and opportunities for females and male players. This starts with equal representation on the committee, access to facilities/equipment, and aiming to lift the number of female coaches and managers, and most importantly lifting the proportion of players in the club that are female to be able to provide the same opportunities. Building numbers from the base, in our youngest cohorts, is key to that longer term ambition. Second, we are looking to build the amount of support for girls and women. In 2021 we appointed both a Girls VP and a Womens VP (this was previously a combined role). We plan to increase this further to have a girls Miniroos coordinator as demand is requiring!

Our focus is on building a culture that engages female players. Our vision of “Positive football. For everyone.” means providing development opportunities for all skill levels, both development-focussed and community players. Our emphasis on player retention means we do all we can to create a supportive, fun, positive experience, for both players and parents. For example, we make the most of any fun, team-bonding opportunities such as the Proctor Cup in Bathurst, NSFA Summer Soccer and any pre-season tournaments.

In 2020, Diamond League was introduced as part of a new joint venture with Turramurra United. The joint venture opens up more options for Junior Girls, which is so important. There is now a pipeline of talented girls from Diamond league into Women’s All Age.

The supported coaching model for our female teams has proven effective. We have made sure to support any girls or women interested in coaching, along with ensuring our womens teams are provided highly trained volunteer coaches (through providing C-license training costs).

We have our two female VPs on the Female Football Working Group which is a great opportunity for KPFC to collaborate with other clubs. This collaboration can help build and support teams – as well as drive innovation for KPFC in the female space

Senior women’s teams grew from four teams in 2019 to six in 2022. We have a strong focus on fostering relationships with individual players. There are informal ways for women to try football, and we use Summer Soccer as a pathway into Winter Football. These strategies take an investment of time, but it is well worth it, as it’s important for women to build trusted relationships.

Kissing Point FC has embraced the G6/G7 Sunday Program. What are the benefits of the program and how have you achieved the player growth rates?

The G6/G7 program is a fantastic introduction to football for girls who may not enjoy mixed football; particularly as it enables easier friend integration than having one or two other girls on a mixed U6/7 team. While it started small (with only 5 or so people enrolled back in 2020) it has grown exponentially, with many more people taking it up, and less people taking up mixed football. The G6/7 program has allowed us to attract younger players and families looking for a girls-only option. This will feed through our program over many years. We have already seen the impact of this with a large cohort of G8s in 2022. It’s a team effort and a lot of hands-on work (eg Sunday G6/7 volunteers and the XlR8 support), but the results are there. Girls Miniroos has shown the strongest growth in the club due in strong part to this initiative by NSFA, and this really feeds into our longer term ambitions of having multiple teams through all junior age groups, and providing options for players.

Communication (newsletters and social media) have an impact when creating a good club culture how have KPFC utilised these and how do you ensure equality?

Our Womens and Girls VPs email their cohorts regularly. Both put in a lot of effort to ensure those emails talk about the bigger picture of female football at the club. This ensures our female players can see a path forward with the club into the future.

We use social media to promote uplifting and inclusive stories and images, with a 50/50 female/male split on posts. Our last fifty social media posts included 11 with a female focus, 11 with a male focus and 28 mixed or neutral. We also use a female image wherever possible. For example, for a post about “Coach education” or “Junior Players wanted” we’ll use an image of a female coach or player. Choice of language is important too, so we will often say for example, “if your daughter or son is interested”, putting the female first. 

Images of female players are always included on posters, website, banners and clubwide emails. 

Female Football Coordinators have been working hard to create a legacy from Women’s World Cup, what does the future look like for Kissing Point FC?

The future looks bright!

We have ambitious plans to continue growing the female game. This means growth from the base in terms of participation, but also providing greater support (creating and promoting a safe and supportive club), and further adopting a ‘What’s best for Her’ approach.

MINIROOS (U6-U11 and G6-G11) We are pleased to offer FREE skills clinics at Abbotsleigh over the holidays. These clinics will give players some time with a ball at their feet and a chance to learn some skills, with professional coaches. Players can attend one, several, or all of the clinics. There are both mixed and girls-only sessions. Importantly, Abbotsleigh is an all-weather, synthetic pitch. Clinics are at 3pm or 3:45pm on most days in the school holidays (apart from Easter). PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT. Click here for details and to register.

JUNIORS (U12+) We want everyone to have some time on the ball over the holidays, so we’ve hired the synthetic field at Abbotsleigh for upcoming afternoons. There is a timetable for most Junior teams to get some training sessions in. Please stand by for news from coordinators.

COACH/MANAGER MEETUP

For ALL managers and coaches of U6-U11 and G6-G11 teams

Please come to Auluba from 5:45pm Tuesday 22 March:

. 6-7pm – Presentation in the clubhouse for coaches and managers. Managers to collect kit bags.

. 7-8pm – Coaches – attain your Miniroos (grassroots) certificate. Please wear suitable clothing for practical activities on the oval. Before attending, please sign up at this linkhttps://education-ffa.sportingpulse.com/Entry/?EID=25105

If you cannot attend Tuesday night

. Managers, educate yourself about your role by visiting this page on the website https://kpfc.asn.au/managers/

. Coaches, please book in for an education session at NTRA next Monday 28 March. Details here https://nsfa.asn.au/coaches/education/#coaching-expo 

TRAINING

Training for our Miniroos community teams starts next week. Lookout for information from your VP/Age Coordinator/Manager.

ALL MANAGERS

This year, all managers will use a new system called Dribl on match days. Please educate yourself about Dribl by watching the short videos on this page (total learning time 15 minutes) https://kpfc.asn.au/managers/

Dribl replaces the MyClubMate system many of you used last year. You will need to be familiar with Dribl before round 1. 

Two important notes about the Dribl app:

. There is no chat feature – this is coming in May. In the meantime, you may still want to use WhatsApp.

. There is no ability to poll player availability. You will still need to use Teamer or WhatsApp.

Miniroos managers – this content will be covered on Tuesday night. If you can’t attend Tuesday night, please read through the information on the website.

U6 and U7 PLAYERS STILL WANTED

We are still looking for players in these youngest age groups. I know many families have been impacted by Covid, and we’ve all been feeling house-bound with the rainy weather. Some families may not realise the season kicks off on 2 April – now less than two weeks away! With that date coming up fast, time is of the essence. I’d hate to see young kids miss out on all the club has to offer, just because of Covid, or the rain. If you have friends with children who are yet to register, please reach out to them and encourage them to do so today.

DRAW AND RESULTS – NEW!

This year, they draw and results are available via a new app called Dribl. To get started, download it to your phone, set up an account and login. You can then ‘follow’ your team to see when and where you are playing each week.

If you prefer not to use an app, you can see the draw and results via the Dribl website here https://nsfa.dribl.com/fixtures/

Please note that NSFA are still uploading information into Dribl. If your team does not appear, please check back later in the week. If your team is a joint KPFC/TUFC team, you will need to select Turramurra/Kissing Point as the club.

More information about Dribl will follow in the coming days. In particular via our Facebook page. It is new to all of us, and as with all new things, Dribl will take a little getting used to.

ALL volunteers PLEASE NOTE

All Managers, Coaches and Assistant Coaches working with players under 18 – you must have a CURRENT Working With Children check.

If your WWC is current and we already have it, no action is needed.

If your WWC is current, but we don’t have it (ie you’re new to us), forward your certificate (email from Service NSW) to wwc@kpfc.asn.au with your full name (as shown on WWC cert.), date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and role at the club. 

If you do not have a current WWC, please ACT NOW. You’ll need to visit a Service NSW office:

. Apply on-line. It only takes a few minutes. Tick “Volunteer”, and for Sector, choose “Clubs”.

. An application number will be generated. Print this sheet and take it to the nearest Service NSW Registry with proof of identity. 

. You will receive your WWC Number by email from Service NSW.  Forward the email to wwc@kpfc.asn.au with your full name (as shown on WWC cert.), date of birth and role at the club. 

For all enquiries, email our WWC Coordinator, Pete at wwc@kpfc.asn.au

UNPAID REGO FEES

If you are yet to pay your registration fee, please do that now. Your name will not appear on the match card if you have not paid, and you will therefore not be able to participate.

KIT

Please buy your shorts and socks online here. No postage to pay – Rochelle will let you know where to collect your order. You can also buy in person on Friday 1 April at Auluba. Kit enquiries to Rochelle at merchandise@kpfc.asn.au

CODE OF CONDUCT

During the season, if something happens that may be in breach of our code of conduct, please reach out to your manager in the first instance. You can also refer issues to our Member Protection Information Officers (MPIO). For details see the Issue Resolution page on the website. To educate yourself about this area, please watch the short video on this page.

KICK OFF APPROACHING

It’s so exciting to have our 65th season about to start. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page to keep up to date.

See you out on the pitch very soon.

QUESTIONS?
Please ask our friendly VPs

            •           U6-U11 – Natalie

            •           U12-U18 – Alia

            •           Girls – Lee

            •           Women – Nicole

            •           Men – Jeremy

            •           Over 35/45 Men – Rich

MEET THE TEAM NIGHT
Miniroos (U6-U11 and G6-G11)
5:30 for 6pm, Thursday 17 March at Auluba
Geared towards parents, this event includes presentations about coaching, training and match day expectations plus more. You can meet other parents from your child’s team and decide who will volunteer as manager and coach. It’s OK to bring the kids, although they may prefer to play on the oval while you listen to talks in the clubhouse.

• BBQ and BAR

• Kit available for sale

• Boot Swap (please bring along any too-small boots)

U6, U7, U8

Presentations including team announcements starting at 6pm.

U9, U10, U11

Come along to buy kit, have an easy dinner, chat to your team and coordinators. Teams announced via email separately.

New to the club?

If you are new to the club, we recommend you attend the talk at 6pm this Thursday night, regardless of your child’s age.

Can’t attend Thursday night?
If you can’t come to Meet The Team night, please orient yourself by looking through the Welcome Presentation.

ALL PARENTS AND PLAYERS

You are welcome to drop in to the clubhouse this Thursday night to buy kit, swap boots, and socialise. Come for the BBQ and BAR between 6 and 8pm.

REGISTRATIONS

Most teams are already formed but please continue to enquire, as there are a few teams with vacancies. There is still room for U6 and U7 players and we’d love to see more players there. Please contact friends with children turning 5, 6 or 7 this year and encourage them to register here.

COACHES AND MANAGERS

If you are volunteering as Coach, Assistant Coach or Manager for a Miniroos team (U6-U11, G6-G11), there will be a session for you at the clubhouse next week. It is most likely going to be Tuesday 22 March and we’ll confirm asap. Managers will collect a kit bag and hear details about your role. Coaches will receive a coach training session on the field. In the meantime, if you are considering a coach or manager role, please visit Coaching and Managing on the website.

Please remember you MUST have a valid Working With Children check. These expire after five years – please check that yours will be valid for the season. Click here for details.

KIT

Please buy your shorts and socks online here. No postage to pay – Rochelle will let you know where to collect your order. You can also buy in person this Thursday 17 March at Auluba. Kit enquiries to Rochelle at merchandise@kpfc.asn.au

CODE OF CONDUCT

For details about our Code of Conduct, refer to the Issue Resolution page on the website. Please watch the short video on this page.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all the volunteers (committee, age coordinators, coaches, managers, and many more) who are very busy organising the upcoming season. You are what makes this club so great.

That’s it for now. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page to keep up to date.

See you out on the pitch very soon.

QUESTIONS?
Please ask our friendly VPs

• U6-U11 – Natalie

• U12-U18 – Alia

• Girls – Lee

• Women – Nicole

• Men – Jeremy

• Over 35/45 Men – Rich

Kind regards,
Andrew Frost
KPFC President
on behalf of the committee

Australia Cup!
We’re excited to announce our opening game in this season’s Australia Cup, formerly the FFA Cup. Our Premier League team takes on Connells Point Rangers FC this Saturday 12 March at Charles Bean Oval in Lindfield. Kick off is 7pm – come and cheer on the guys.
 

Training
Stand by for news from your co-ordinator about the start of training. Ground closures have inevitably meant a delay with this.
 

Intro to Football – ACTUALLY HAPPENING
Sunday 13 March 4pm-5:30pm
If your player turns 5, 6, or 7 this year, please bring them to Auluba this Sunday for a structured kick-around. After having to reschedule this event (twice!) due to the rain, we are excited to finally run this event for you. This is the LAST CHANCE for any friends who want to try football before registering.

All – Please register for the season by SUNDAY NIGHT
We absolutely must have all registrations for ALL AGES by this Sunday night.

Kit packing volunteers needed
Can you give an hour or two this Sunday? Brad, our Equipment Coordinator, will be packing kit bags in the clubhouse from 4pm, and needs lots of help! Please take this opportunity to support your club. Email Brad at equipment@kpfc.asn.au if you can assist.
 

Meet the Team night
Thursday 17 March 6pm-8pm
This is an important event for our youngest teams. Meet the other families on your team and learn about the season ahead. The Bar and BBQ will be happening, and there will be kit for sale. There will be presentations suitable for anyone new to the club (in particular U6 and U7). Everyone is welcome to pop in for a drink, grab some dinner, and buy your kit.
 

Your kit
Please head to the online store to buy your shorts, socks and other Kisso merchandise. You can also buy in person at Auluba on these dates:

• Thursday 17 March 6pm-8pm
• Friday 1 April 6pm-8pm

If you buy your boots and shin pads from Rebel Sport, please tell them you’re with Kissing Point FC, as the club receives credit to the value of 5% of your purchase.
 

Coaching
If you’re planning to volunteer as a coach, visit Coaching on the website to get started.
 

That’s all for now. I look forward to meeting many of you at Auluba on Sunday afternoon.

QUESTIONS?
Please explore the website and if you have questions, just ask our friendly VPs

• U6-U11 – Natalie
• U12-U18 – Alia
• Girls – Lee
• Women – Nicole
• Men – Jeremy
• Over 35/45 Men – Rich

Kind regards,
Andrew Frost
KPFC President
on behalf of the committee

To those who have registered, THANK YOU. If you are new to the club, check out the Welcome Presentation. If you know of any young players (5, 6, 7), please encourage them to (a) register and (b) come to Intro to Football this Sunday.
 

REGISTER NOW

If you haven’t registered, PLEASE do that now. We must know if you’re playing so we can place you in a team. Just click here. If you need financial assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Nominations for Mixed and Girls Junior (U12-U18) teams are due next week. There is a risk of missing out if you if you don’t register.

INTRO TO FOOTBALL – Sunday 13 March 4pm-6pm. AULUBA

Players turning 5, 6 or 7 this year are encouraged to attend this free event, and bring along any friends thinking of playing. It’s a chance to check out the club and take part in activities with our coaches. 

COACHING COURSES – REGISTER NOW

If you’re planning to volunteer as a coach, visit Coaching on the website to get started. If you are coaching players aged 9 and up, REGISTER NOW for a course as they are about to start:

• Skill Training Certificate (9-13 years)
• Game Training Certificate (14+ years)

 If you are coaching players aged 5-8, course dates will be announced soon.

WALKING FOOTBALL

Walking Football happens EVERY WEEK at Auluba. Come and try it out. Every Thursday 7:30-8:30am. All enquiries to Rhondda.
 

M55+ COMP

This year NSFA are introducing an over 55 comp, with smaller sized 8-a-side 70min games on Saturdays (1pm, 2:20pm, 3:40pm). There will be a hub environment, with 6 games played at a venue. We are looking to nominate a Kisso team, but need enough players, and need to know this week! If you are interested please email Rich.
 

FITNESS CLASSES

Free fitness classes at Howson have been very popular. There is one class left:

• Sunday 27  Feb.
• JUNIORS (boys and girls U12-U16)  3 – 3:45pm
• MEN (incl U18) 4 – 4:45pm
• WOMEN (incl U18) 5 – 5:45pm
• No need to register – just come along

REFEREE COURSES

Ref courses are happening now at Auluba. Suitable for anyone new to refereeing (age 14+ by May). Kisso will subsidise the KDFRA $120 membership fee for any new or continuing referee who refs 3 games during the season. Click here for details.

RSA

If you have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate, or you’d like to do the course, email Tineke. Tineke is looking for people to help with the bar on two or three nights during the season. 

DUKE OF ED

If your player is doing their Duke of Ed this year, they can do all three parts of the award at Kisso – sport, service and skills – email Jen for details.

UPCOMING DATES

Training starts at different times for different teams and you’ll receive email advice about when your player starts. All other dates are listed on the website here. Please refer to this page for season start/end, events, kit sale days etc.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions, check the website or email our friendly VPs:

• U6-U11 – Natalie
• U12-U18 – Alia
• Girls – Lee
• Women – Nicole
• Men – Jeremy
• Over 35/45 Men – Rich

That’s all for now. Please remember to:

1. Register! and forward this email to friends thinking of registering. 
2. Come to Intro To Football on the 27th.
3. Like us on Facebook

Please email me if you have any questions, or call on 0410 528 575.

Kind regards,

Andrew Frost

KPFC President

on behalf of the committee