Empowering Young Female Football Leaders Through Real-World Experience
Women’s football in Australia has never been stronger; from packed stadiums during the FIFA Women’s World Cup to a rise in grassroots girls’ participation across every state and territory. Yet there remains a critical question for young women aspiring to careers in football: how do I turn my passion into a pathway?
Today, we are proud to share The Girls Football Project Partner announcement with Yakka Sport job app — a reliable way to access to jobs, volunteer roles, training, and career development across girls’ football and futsal programs. It’s a community-first collaboration that connects motivated girls and women with organisations that need their skills, energy, and leadership. The Girls Football Project creates inclusive competitions and skill-building experiences for girls aged U7–U16, proudly established in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and now expanding across the city, with a vision to empower young female footballers right across Australia.
A strategic collaboration designed to bridge education and practical sport experience for university students across the country. Through this initiative, students from Global Institute of Sport, Australian College of Physical Education, and Torrens University will gain exclusive access to structured football internships across coaching, performance, media, operations, refereeing, and community programs.
The partnership introduces five dedicated internship streams — both paid and volunteer — providing genuine opportunities to get hands-on with youth football programs, particularly those that champion participation, empowerment, and pathways for girls.
This partnership recognises a simple truth: Australia needs more trained, motivated, and confident women working in football — whether on the sideline, in strategy rooms, in grassroots club leadership, or in performance analysis hubs. That future begins by opening doors today.
To explore the project further, visit
👉 https://www.thegirlsfootballproject.com/
Why This Partnership Matters
Young women in sport often face a frustrating paradox: organisations want candidates with experience, yet opportunities to gain that experience remain limited. The Girls Football Project and the Yakka Sport job app are eliminating that barrier.
Together, we are creating a clear talent pipeline:
- University study and theory
- Internship through The Girls Football Project
- Verified role history and references
- Employment pathways into clubs, academies, and sport organisations
Students will apply through Yakka Sport, be onboarded into structured placement programs, and receive real responsibility in meaningful roles across football ecosystems.
This ensures:
- Universities connect learning to lived practice
- Clubs access enthusiastic, educated talent
- Students gain CV-building experience
- The women’s football workforce grows sustainably
It is a model designed not only to serve students, but also to strengthen club environments, improve program delivery, and ensure more girls see women leading the future of football.
How the Partnership Works
The Girls Football Project will host placements that align directly with academic units at partner universities. Students will access roles through the Yakka Sport job app, which ensures a transparent, student-friendly process for matching skills and interests with club needs.
Program Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Structured internship roles | Clear responsibilities and learning outcomes |
| Blended paid & volunteer positions | Practical access regardless of experience level |
| Priority for GIS, ACPE & Torrens students | Direct links with academic pathways |
| Real youth football environments | True game-day, training, and planning experience |
| Skill-building workshops & mentoring | Guidance from experienced coaches and program leaders |
Throughout their placement, students will log activities, receive support from supervisors, and build a portfolio useful for future sport sector roles.
Available Internship Pathways
The partnership includes five specialised student roles, each mapped to real industry skills and university courses.
All roles are open to motivated students with an interest in sport, youth development, and women’s football.
1. Soccer Program Operations Intern
Football programs don’t run by magic — they rely on organised, proactive operators. This internship places students at the heart of program delivery, including:
Key responsibilities
- Coordinating weekly session schedules
- Managing attendance and participant data
- Supporting coaching staff and program leaders
- Organising equipment setup and safety checks
- Liaising with parents, volunteers, and stakeholders
- Assisting with tournament and event logistics
Ideal for degrees in
- Sport Management
- Sport Coaching
- Physical Education
- Business (Sports Stream)
Learning outcomes
- Real-world program coordination
- Time and resource planning
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
This role suits students who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and creating positive participant experiences.
2. Soccer Coaching Analytics Intern
The modern game runs on data. Students taking this pathway will learn the foundations of performance analysis, player tracking, and feedback methodologies.
Key responsibilities
- Recording match and training sessions
- Capturing technical and tactical actions
- Compiling player development reports
- Assisting with feedback meetings
- Supporting video analysis and highlight creation
Ideal for degrees in
- Sport Science
- Exercise & Sports Performance
- Performance Analysis
- Coaching Science
Learning outcomes
- Live and post-match analysis techniques
- Data interpretation for player improvement
- Insight into talent pathways and coaching frameworks
This internship benefits those pursuing strength and conditioning, sport technology roles, or high-performance pathways.
3. Soccer-Club Marketing & Community Engagement Intern
Football clubs are community engines — and they need powerful storytelling and digital presence to thrive. Students in this stream will help showcase positive football cultures and grow participation.
Key responsibilities
- Creating social media content and matchday media
- Managing posts, updates, and engagement campaigns
- Highlighting player stories and community initiatives
- Assisting with email communications and local partnerships
- Supporting game-day activations and school outreach
Ideal for degrees in
- Sport Marketing
- Communication & Media
- Digital Content Production
- Business & Public Relations
Learning outcomes
- Real-world sports digital marketing practice
- Storytelling in youth sport environments
- Community-building experience in grassroots football
Perfect for students aiming to work in sport media, club communications, or community sport development.
4. Soccer Referee Development Intern
Refereeing is one of football’s fastest-growing career pathways — yet female match officials remain underrepresented. This program offers hands-on experience supporting junior referee pathways.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting referee onboarding and scheduling
- Shadowing experienced match officials
- Supporting junior referees in safe environments
- Coordinating referee development workshops
- Helping track match coverage and referee progression
Ideal for degrees in
- Sport Administration
- Coaching & Officiating
- Sport Leadership
- Recreation Management
Learning outcomes
- Understanding officiating structures in Australian football
- Experience in match coordination and leadership
- Confidence in managing junior sport environments
This pathway is excellent for students interested in governance, football officiating, or club operations.
5. Soccer Diversity & Inclusion Intern
Football belongs to everyone. This role focuses on equity, access, and wellbeing, particularly promoting participation for girls and diverse groups.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting girls’ football and futsal programs
- Supporting adaptive or inclusive football initiatives
- Helping plan school & community inclusion events
- Creating safe-sport and wellbeing resources
- Liaising with families and community partners
Ideal for degrees in
- Sport for Development
- Social & Community Work
- Inclusive Education
- Recreation & Social Policy
Learning outcomes
- Foundations in sport inclusion and program design
- Cultural awareness and community leadership
- Safe-sport and youth engagement experience
This role supports those passionate about social change through sport.
How to Apply via Yakka Sport
Students will access roles through the Yakka Sport job app, Australia’s growing sport-employment network.
Steps to apply
- Download the Yakka Sport app (iOS or Android)
- Create your sport profile with interest areas and availability
- Search “The Girls Football Project”
- Apply to the internship category that fits your goals
- Attend onboarding and role briefing
- Begin field experience and log your work
Students may also request documentation for university placement approvals.
Who Is Eligible?
This partnership prioritises:
- GIS students
- ACPE students
- Torrens University students
- Young women passionate about football and youth sport
- Students seeking academic credit or practical industry exposure
Club training, support and supervision will be provided. No prior playing experience is required — enthusiasm and reliability matter most.
Why This Matters for Women’s Football in Australia
This partnership isn’t symbolic — it’s strategic. It strengthens:
✅ Diversity in football leadership
✅ Development of female coaches and operators
✅ Youth participation, confidence, and retention
✅ Industry-ready female graduates
✅ The future pipeline for Australian women’s football
Every student who steps into these roles becomes part of a movement shaping access, opportunity, and inclusion in Australian football.
FAQs for Job Seekers
1. Do I need to be studying sport to apply?
No — business, media, health, education, and social sciences students are encouraged. The key requirement is genuine interest in supporting girls’ football. Some roles may offer academic credit for relevant degrees.
2. Are these positions paid?
Some are paid and some are volunteer. Paid roles typically come after initial supervised experience, similar to common internship pathways in sport. All opportunities are clearly labelled in Yakka Sport.
3. Can I use this internship for university credit?
Yes. Students from GIS, ACPE, and Torrens University can count this placement toward approved course requirements with faculty confirmation.
4. Do I need coaching qualifications?
No. You will receive guidance and support. Students aiming to coach may later enrol in FA community coaching courses.
5. Is football playing experience required?
Not at all. Many roles focus on operations, media, inclusion, and program delivery. Passion and reliability matter more than sporting background.
6. How many hours per week are required?
Most placements run between 4–10 hours weekly, depending on program cycles, match schedules, and academic needs.
7. Will I receive a reference or certificate?
Yes. Completing the program successfully qualifies you for official recognition, supervisor feedback, and a verified workplace reference.
8. Can international students apply?
Yes — international students at the partner universities are welcome, provided visa work requirements are respected.
9. What skills will I gain?
Depending on the stream: communication, leadership, performance analysis, digital media, event management, inclusion planning, and sport-specific operations.
10. How long do placements run?
Placements typically run 8–12 weeks aligned to academic semesters and football season cycles, with extension opportunities for strong performers.
This is more than an internship — it’s a chance to build the future of women’s football in Australia.
If you’re ready to turn passion into profession:
Together, we’re shaping the next generation of female football leaders — on the pitch, in clubs, and across the sport industry.
👉 Visit https://www.thegirlsfootballproject.com/
📲 Download Yakka Sport and search for internship roles
🎓 Connect your study with real world impact
