Watsonia Heights FC to be part of the ‘Change Makers Project’

Dear all,

I’m excited to inform you all that Watsonia Heights FC will be participating in “The Change Makers Project”. This is an innovative collaboration between academics (from Victoria University), Football Victoria and local football clubs – Watsonia Heights FC.

The Sport and Social Change Lab at Victoria University have designed a football-specific inclusion and diversity program focused on making change toward 50/50 in football clubs. Toward 50/50 is all about inviting more girls and women to participate in our sport to a level where we hope to have a ratio of 50% male and 50% female participation across all clubs.

I’m very pleased to announce that our nominated ‘Change Maker’ will be Petra Stagno Navarra. Petra will participate in the project and with Victorian University Mentors – create tailored, practical and sustainable solutions to increase participation and improve experiences for girls and women at our club.

Petra joined Watsonia Heights FC in 2016 and prior to that, played for Bundoora United for 3 years – after starting her football career at Mitchel Rangers SC.

Petra is an avid supporter of women’s football and relishes the opportunity to help guide the make-up of female football participation throughout the state.

Watsonia Heights FC is a leader in the Banyule City area in promoting female participation in football. We already have – up to date female friendly change rooms at both Gabonia Avenue Reserve and Elder Street Reserve. Our brand-new facility at Greensborough Secondary College will also boast the best female friendly facilities in the local area – when completed mid-2021.

This endeavour will also align nicely with our relationship with Pescara Calcio in Italy. European Women’s Football has grown dramatically recently, enticing many of our own Matilda’s to the prestigious ranks of European Football powerhouses.

Pescara Calcio are very keen to trial our promising female footballers. It is the intention of Watsonia Heights FC, to take a senior women’s team and a junior girls team to Pescara in September 2021 to train at their incredible facilities and play against local Italian teams from the Abruzzo region.

Let your friends know that Watsonia Heights FC is the club to be at for all your football needs in 2021 – especially for our female footballers. Any assistance you can offer Petra in her task – would be greatly appreciated.

Watsonia Heights FC is very proud to partner both Victoria University and Football Victoria is this wonderful opportunity to create a more inclusive and diverse environment to involve our female footballers.

Thank you,

WHFC Executive Committee.