Local soccer gets a kick forward

A goal has been kicked for Pilbara soccer lovers with Football West appointing its first development officer for the region.

Karratha health and fitness enthusiast Carol Hegan has taken on the newly created role in a bid to grow the sport for all ages and abilities.

Ms Hegan said she was looking to raise more awareness for the game across Karratha, Hedland, Tom Price, Newman and Paraburdoo.

“One of our goals is to develop a training centre and start creating some real pathways for talent development, especially for our youth going forward into the adult comps, because we don’t have an adult competition, so we want somewhere for those players to go,” she said.

“We don’t have women’s competition. In parts of the region we have issues with youth where street football would appeal. Elsewhere we can get the Aboriginal community more involved in the game. It really is a blank canvas.”

Ms Hegan said she also hoped to establish walking football for the elderly and those with disabilities, as well as activate the game within schools.

“This is a really exciting time to be coming in to this role as the city is growing and a lot more people are coming into the region,” she said.

Football West community football manager Sarah Du Plessis said Ms Hegan’s appointment further underlined the organisation’s commitment to the regions.

“Carol’s local knowledge and expertise working within the community is fantastic,” she said. “Having a development officer in the region will further support and service key areas of the game for players, coaches, referees and the wider football community.

“We look forward to further rolling out the Aboriginal soccer program, which provides strong health messaging and role models for the communities, thanks to the grant received from the Department of Health.”

The new programs are set to begin this season.