Narrabri women to Kick-On in 2020

Narrabri Kick-On For Women will run again this year with the first term set to kick off on Monday, February 10 at Gately Field.

Introduced by Northern NSW Football last year, Kick-On for Women is an introductory program to soccer designed specifically for women to fit into their busy lives while juggling their commitments of family, work and friends.

The idea was born from the demand for mothers, sisters and female spectators wanting to be involved in the sport, however desired a format that welcomed their inexperience, less active lifestyle and limited time availability.

With a commitment of just 45-minutes a week, after general office hours, the program has a strong focus on fun, inclusion and friendship, is run by accredited facilitators and provides participants the opportunity to spend time focusing on their own fitness and well-being in a judgement-free environment.

Kick-On For Women is aimed at females aged 16-years-and-over, who are non-active or less active, who are time-poor, and who are new to soccer or simply seeking a social fitness environment.

The program works in eight-week terms where 45-minute sessions are held once a week which include 20 minutes of fun, skill-based activities and 20 minutes of small-sided games.

Kick-On For Women project officer Michelle Forbes said the first program was a great success, bringing women of all walks of life together.

“Many of the participants turn up to the first session, a bit shy and unsure, but 45-minutes later they’re laughing with new friends and have clocked up some steps,” Forbes said.

“The reasons for joining the program are so varied, some chose the program to take time out of their busy work and family schedules just for themselves, some do it to make friends and others simply to get outside and undertake some fitness,” she added.

Following a hugely successful term last year with 34 registrations, Narrabri Kick-On For Women hub coordinator Sam Lubke-Wood encouraged all women to get out and have a kick.

“It’s a great friendly environment and we are all very supportive of the community,” she said.

“At Narrabri we understand the needs of the women in our community to gain access to such a supportive group.

“It’s low impact and we cater for all ability types and levels.”

Narrabri Kick-On For Women facilitator Shena Newman said that Narrabri was one of the largest inland hubs in term four 2019.

“We had so many laughs and made some great friends which we welcome back this term,” she said.

As reported in The Courier, Tuesday, January 28, Narrabri was one of the seven Northern Inland hubs which operated when the program started in October last year along with Gunnedah, Moree, Coonabarabran, Tamworth, Inverell and Armidale.

The success of the program saw the recent announcement that Wee Waa had been named as an eighth Northern Inland Hub.

Newman and Lubke-Wood said that they were excited to have Wee Waa on board with Kick-On For Women.

“We feel it’s such a great positive environment for women,” Lubke-Wood said.

“We can’t wait to see Wee Waa’s hub grow under the guidance of Monique Souter.”

Both Lubke-Wood and Newman said that they would love to see women’s friendly games played before the Namoi Soccer League matches, possibly once a month, so the women could compete at a more competitive level if they wished to.