Eden Killer Whales create history with three teams in NSW Far South Coast girls competition

For the first time in its 61-year history, the Eden Killer Whales will field three girls teams.

And in another first, the Far South Coast Football Association is hosting a debut girls competition this year.

The Killer Whales’ under 9s-10s, under 10s-12s and under 13s-15s teams were made possible by the lone sponsorship from the Reflections Eden holiday park.

Park manager Tiarne Cronk plays for the Whales’ women’s team and her 13-year-old daughter will pull on her boots in the girls competition.

Cronk believes it is important to support the girls, especially when less of them are playing the game amid reports of an urgent need to encourage girls to play more sport.

“Last year the women’s football team was struggling to get numbers so I decided to play – I am not very good but I had such a good time so supporting the foundation of the girls’ team this year was a no-brainer,” said Tiarne, whose young sons also play soccer.

Far South Coast FA representative team’s co-ordinator Peter Rees said the decision to stage a girls competition was an historic first.

It was driven by the popularity of Australia’s female football team, the Matildas, and Australia hosting the women’s World Cup.

“I am over the moon that this is happening, and the clubs worked really hard to get it off the ground,” Rees said.

“Our club numbers have grown across the board in recent years; in fact, 33 per cent of our members are female and that told us it was time for a stand-alone competition for girls.”

The Killer Whales will face off against teams from Tathra, Bega, Bemboka, Wolumla, Merimbula, Pambula and Mallacoota in the new competition, which is under way.

SUPPORT WELCOMED

Sports and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper welcomed Reflections Holidays’ financial support for the competition.

“It’s great to see Reflections supporting regional tourism and sport through initiatives including its sponsorship of the Eden Killer Whales, and the Cadet Cup junior surfing competition which it hosts at its coastal holiday parks,” he said.

FA president Matt O’Reilly said that there were clear benefits from a stand-alone girls competition.

“The girls can get a little left out by the boys in the mixed competitions but our girls’ registrations have shot through the roof in the last couple of years so this competition is now possible,” he said.

“What I like is that the girls can go out and they decide what happens on the field; there are no boys and it’s all up to them,” Rees said.

“They are playing under their own right; that’s what it’s all about as far as I am concerned.

“The elite players can do both — play with the girls or play with the mixed competition, and some are doing both.”

EDEN SCORES A GOAL

Cronk said the decision was a significant milestone for local community and regional sport and that the competition would foster inclusivity and greater participation.

“Sport is absolutely crucial, not just for fitness and mental health but to be a part of a team and for building social skills and resilience,” she pointed out.

Ms Cronk said that until the 2025 girls competition came along, girls at primary and high schools in Eden played in mixed competitions until they reached 16 years.

“The new league will provide a platform for girls to improve their skills, build confidence, and develop a sense of self-worth in a supportive environment that will hopefully see more girls continue playing football as they move into their teenage years,” Cronk said.

SPONSOR’S DELIGHT
Reflections Eden will sponsor the Killer Whales for four years, funding training equipment and uniforms for the three teams.

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said their belief that life was better outside extended to the sports field.

He noted that many of their parks sponsor or support local sports teams who would otherwise struggle with costs.

“We’re thrilled that Tiarne and her park team have helped their local competition in Eden off the ground and we can’t wait to see how they perform throughout the season,” Baker said.