Matildas 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup team announced‏

Dear Scott ,

Today marks one of the most exciting on the Australian Women's Football Calendar, the announcement of the Westfield Matildas 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup team. This incredibly talented, passionate and dedicated group of players will take on some of the most dominant football nations in the World in Germany.

To celebrate we're giving you the chance to win the ultimate Westfield Matildas prize of attending the team's farewell morning tea with a friend THIS TUESDAY the 14th JUNE at Football Australia Head Quarters in Sydney! The winner will also receive a Westfield Matildas Girls FC prize pack.

To enter, simply tell us in 30 words or less which player you think will be the most exciting to watch during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Send your entries along with your name, age, address and phone number to girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au to go in the draw.

Entries close Friday 10th June at 11am and the winner will be announced on the Girls FC Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/girlsfc as well as contacted by phone at Midday!

The Westfield Matildas FIFA World Cup matches will all be broadcast live on SBS so you can follow the team in the biggest women's football competition in the world.

Westfield Matildas vs Brazil - 30th June, 2:15am (AEST)

Westfield Matildas vs Equatorial Guinea - 3rd July, 10pm (AEST)

Westfield Matildas vs Norway - 7th July, 2am (AEST)

Don't miss seeing Australia's best women's footballers take on the World!

Full competition terms and conditions

Yours in football,

The Girls FC Team

Be a Girls FC VIP at the Hyundai A-League Grand Final and meet your Westfield W-League 2011 Champions!

We're giving Girls FC fans the exclusive opportunity to be a Girls FC VIP at the Hyundai A-League Grand Final!

With Brisbane Roar dominating both the Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League 2010/11 seasons, we'd like Girls FC fans to tell us who should make up the ultimate Brisbane Roar All Star team! You've all heard what the critics say, now's the time to tell us the first 11 you would send onto the pitch!


To enter, just email girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au with the 11 players made up from the Brisbane Roar men's and women's teams that you think should make up the ultimate Brisbane Roar team and tell us in 25 words or less why you think they would be unbeaten! Don't forget to include your name and contact details.

10 Lucky winners will each receive the following awesome prize:
2 Tickets to the Hyundai A-league Grand Final on the 13th of March at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Girls FC T-shirts for you and a friend
Matildas Poster
Girls FC Sticker
Meet & greet players from the Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League 2011 Champions team
Snacks and drinks during the game
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Entries close on Thursday 10th March so get your entries in quick!

For full terms and conditions click here

http://www.myfootball.com.au/newsletter/WWL2010_images/20110307/girlsftc.pdf

Yours in football

The Girls FC Team

Girls FC #15 - Brisbane Roar takes out the 2011 Championship title!‏

Dear Scott,

The Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final took place last Saturday with Brisbane taking out the 2011 title in a hard-fought match against reigning champs Sydney FC. We'd like to thank all the fans who travelled far and wide to support the players in style! A big congrats goes to all the Clubs and players for their passion and dedication through the season and to all of the fans who attended games Australia-wide over the past 14 weeks.

In only a few months, the Westfield Matildas will be departing for Germany to participate in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Until then we'll be sharing with you their World Cup journey including training plans, nutrition tips, behind the scenes at camp and player profiles. There'll also be the chance to enter awesome prizes we're creating just for you!

We'll be bringing you the best news from Aussies abroad by keeping an eye on Westfield W-League players who will be strutting their stuff on the global scale.

With the grassroots season just kicking off... we'd love to hear about your team, training tips, the friends you've made along the way, and your journey too! If you have pictures or stories you would like to share, just email us. You never know, your team could be featured in Girls FC next!

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC

Girls FC #14 - Be a Girls FC VIP at the Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final!‏

Dear Scott,

After 13 fantastic weeks of competition here we are, just days away from the Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final! Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar will go head-to-head in a rematch of last season's Grand Final to see who will take out the 2011 title! Can Sydney hold-on for the second year in row or will Brisbane regain the Champions trophy they took home in Season 1?

The match is sure to be fantastic with all players putting their best foot forward on the field. Girls FC has lined up some great activities for you to get involved in leading up to and during Saturday's big match at Campbelltown Stadium!

Last week we heard your cheers, now this week we'd like to see them! We're giving fans between the ages of 8 and 18 the chance to win our best prize yet!

Be a GIRLS FC VIP at the Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final. Plus you could toss the coin before the match to decide who kicks-off!

To enter all you have to do is make a poster to support either Sydney FC Women or Brisbane Roar Women and send us a photo of it. 10 winners will receive the following Girls FC VIP prize for them and a friend and one winner will get to toss the coin before kick-off!

• Tickets to the Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final
• Girls FC t-shirt and sticker
• Food and drink during the match
• Meet and greet the players

Entries close Thursday 10th of February so get your photos in quick!

On match day, we'll be choosing 4 lucky fans from the crowd to go head-to-head in a football skills challenge at half time. The winner of the challenge will receive a Sony Mini Hi-Fi Stereo system and a Sydney FC jersey. Each of the runner's up will take home a Girls FC prize pack!

Tickets are available at the gate or through www.proticket.com.au. Adults: $10, Children: $5 and Families (2 adults + 2 children): $20. The Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final will also be broadcast live and exclusive on ABC1.

We'd love to see you at the match on Saturday to help your team win the 2011 Champions title!

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC team

Girls FC

Dear Scott,

Girls FC just can't wait for the Westfield W-League Semi-Finals this weekend!

We have 2 knock-out matches ahead, with Brisbane Roar v Canberra on Saturday, then Sydney v Melbourne on Sunday!

Brisbane will be aiming to secure their spot in the 2011 Grand Final and go for their 2nd Champions title since they first took out the trophy in Season 1. Sydney FC will be focused on hosting not only back-to-back Westfield W-League Grand Finals, but the chance to make history with the Premiers and Championship double following their double success in season 2.

In such important matches, the home ground advantage can be just as important as perfectly executing that winning play you have practiced all season.

We know how fantastic your support has been throughout the season so we'd like to give you a chance to share your supporter chants with us and go in the draw to win a match ball signed by the team captains and 4 tickets to either the Sydney FC or Brisbane Roar home Semi-Final!

To enter just email your Sydney FC or Brisbane Roar cheer in 30 words or less to girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au along with your name and contact phone number.

Entries close this Friday 4th of February at 10am so get your cheer in quick!

Tickets for both Semi-Finals are available at the gate. Get your friends together, your cheers and supporter banners and help your team win their place in the Westfield W-League 2011 Grand Final!

Have a great week and we hope to see you at one of the games soon!

Yours in Football,

The Girls FC team
For full promotional terms and conditions click here

Support your team in the semi finals!

It’s semi finals time! Four teams will battle it out for the chance to participate in the Westfield League Grand Final!

If your team happens to still be in the race and fighting it out this Saturday at Ballymore or Sunday at Campbelltown, it’s now your turn to do your part for them!

From a player’s perspective, having the support of your fans in the stands can have a huge effect on the game.

For instance, when your team is struggling to maintain possession, sometimes a lift in the crowd can translate into a lift in the team, resulting in a possession turnover.

The matches coming up are expected to be very competitive given what’s at stake for the win, so any little advantage a team can get over another will be greatly welcomed.

This will be especially important for Canberra and Victory this week, since they have to travel and play in front of an away crowd!

So fans, your team need your voice this weekend. Try and make an extra effort to get to a game and help them over the line!

By Sarah Walsh, Westfield Matildas..

GIRLS FC - TOP TIP

Heading The Ball

Izzy wrote in asking for some advice on how to head the ball. Her coach is encouraging to head the ball more, but she’s worried about getting injured. Sarah Walsh came up with some tips for Izzy on how to overcome her fear.

Hi Izzy

Thank you for sending in your question. I must start by mentioning that you are not alone with your fear. Many footballers share this same concern when heading a ball for the first time.

For some players, heading the ball comes naturally, but for the majority of young footballers starting out, the act of heading the ball can be quite difficult. I can assure you though, once you finally learn how to do it, it can definitely be an invaluable addition to your game.

Some tips on getting started:

- Use your forehead (no higher than your hairline)

- Always keep your eye on the ball

- Timing is very important. When jumping up to meet the ball, make sure you time it so you hit it with the sweet spot of your forehead.

- Using your arms can serve two purposes. First, use them as a leverage to create more power in your header by using a pulling action with your arms, pushing your chest out (similar to the action of bench press). Second, use them to protect you from other players when jumping up to compete for the ball.

Good luck in the air, Izzy!

Sarah Walsh, Westfield Matildas..

GIRLS FC - BRISBANE ROAR TRAINING SESSION

Check out these pictures provided by Girls FC.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35434&id=149596531745120

Girlsfc edition #11. Tips to get more shots on target.‏

Whether you aspire to be a Westfield Matilda or just like to play with friends casually on a weekend, for several reasons your education and study should always be a top priority.

Now before you think 'Walshy, you sound like my parents', hear me out!

How well you do in school or university can set you up for a number of opportunities, during or after your football career.

Injuries can also occur when playing the game, so it's important to have as many options as possible to fall back on.

Also, generally when you’re recovering from an injury, there can be a fair amount of downtime. In the past I have used this time to further my education through online study.

Many professional footballers study this way as there can also be a lot of spare time outside of training sessions and games.

In fact, it would be fair to say that more than half of the Westfield Matildas are either studying full time or part time at the moment.

Good luck with your studies fellow footballers!

Girls FC feature: Nutrition Tuition!

Girls FC has had lots of questions over the past few weeks around what to eat pre and post match and while training. We got in-touch with Melbourne Victory’s Snez Veljanovska who not only is a Striker for the Westfield W-League team, the 23 year old will this year graduate from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition.

To kick us off, we thought it best to tackle pre-match food first. Snez gave us her view on what we should consume before a game and when.

Before a game it's very important the right foods are consumed to allow any athlete to perform to the best of their ability. Each individual knows what food works best for their body, but as a general rule the best foods are carbohydrates, ‘carbs’. Carbs are the first source of energy that the body uses before it starts using anything else like proteins or fats.

You can have lower GI foods well before competition that are slowly released and digested through the body so when competition time comes; you have a constant source of energy. 3-4 hours before game have some pasta, rice or a sandwich.

Having a high carbohydrate meal the night before will also help give your body the energy it needs to perform. This is known as carbohydrate loading.

It is also important to eat again before a game about 1-2 hours prior, this meal can just be something little like a muesli bar, yoghurt or fruit. Don’t eat anything too complex, keep it simple.

What you eat does depend on the individual as everyone can handle certain foods differently. What works for one person may not work for another. Try eating a variety of foods to work out what helps you perform at your best.

I've been around people who have a food routine where they will only eat something basic before a game, and others who will eat just about anything they can.

I believe an ideal pre-match meal is simple pasta with a basic tomato based sauce. Eat just enough to make you feel good. I like to have fruit, a muesli bar and a few lollies as well.

How much water should I try and have during a match so that I remain hydrated...? Would you recommend sports drinks?

The key word here is DURING!! Most people don't realise how much fluid they lose during a match. They tend to drink plenty before a comp and less after however it’s just as important to consume fluids post as pre.

Some people weigh themselves on the scales before and after competition so it is easier to tell how much fluid they have lost, each kilogram of fluid lost is equivalent to 1 litre of fluid. As a guideline each athlete should aim to drink at least 2 litres prior (more if it is warmer weather) and depending on fluid loss during comp, if a person loses 1 kg during comp then drink a further litre post comp.

Also try to drink fluids during a match, wherever and whenever possible. It’s important not to let yourself get to the thirsty stage as thirst tends to tell us we are dehydrated.

Sports drinks are important as they give us energy in the form of Carbohydrates while hydrating at the same time. They are more so recommended during competition rather than before as you can get your energy from the foods you've consumed prior to the match. Sports drinks release quickly into the body so they provides a quick and easy source of energy at the times we need it most during the match to keep us going.

What’s the best food to have after a game or training session?

After a game/training session the recovery and re-fuelling stage is very important so your body can adapt to what you have just done, to become fitter, stronger, faster and better. Refueling carbohydrate stores that have been lost, replacing fluids and electrolytes and also making new protein, blood cells and other aspects of repair are important.

This is where people can focus on the whole aspect of nutrition meaning having carbs, protein and a little fat together. The best time to eat is within the first 30 minutes post a session/game so a snack will keep you going till you have your main meal.

Your main meal can be a baked potato, cooked lean beef, chicken or pork and a side salad (maybe add some nuts) or grilled/steamed vegetables and a glass of juice and water.

If this isn’t possible then a rich source of carbs and protein is good. Even cereal can do the trick as it can also supply the body with iron. It’s far more beneficial then heading to the nearest fast-food outlet.

Would you like to add anything else Snezzy?

Food is your fuel so making sure you are consuming what you need for your sport is very important. This doesn't mean you cannot include your favourite “sometimes food” that may not have so many nutritional benefits. Just make sure you consume treats in moderation, and at times when they won’t affect preparation for training or a match.

How have you been able to apply the knowledge you have acquired through your degree in your own training?

Throughout my degree I've learnt many things that I have been able to use and also to help other team mates and athletes with their training. I have understood exactly how the body best uses its energy which has helped me understand the way food works with training. A major aspect I can take away is the way my food affects my training, it is good to know how certain ways of training uses certain pathways of the food system to help adapt to what I'm doing.

You’re amazingly fit do you put this down to what you consume?

Not only to what I consume, but I do think it plays a major role. What I consume allows me to do what I do and helps me keep up with all my commitments and overall keeps me healthy. I think that without consuming the foods that work best for me it would be difficult for me to do all the things I set out to achieve. I think my nutrition plays a major role, but it works best alongside my recovery so I put those 2 aspects together and feel they work the best.

Thanks for your time Snez and best of luck with the rest of your season down there in Melbourne.

Staying fit and healthy over Christmas!

Tips on shooting to score

Strikers/forwards tend to receive the most credit for scoring a goal, even though it usually came through a great build-up play or team effort.

However, anyone that has been put in the position to score in front of goal would agree that it's not an easy task!

Here are some things to think about when you’re in front of the goal:
• Try to aim for the corners of the goal, preferably along the ground.
• On most occasions, it’s safer to hit the ball with the inside of your foot rather then your instep, as there is more surface area, which gives you greater shooting accuracy.
• Take your time (as much time as you can before getting tackled, that is) and keep your composure.

Hopefully these few things can help you on your way to scoring plenty of goals and lead your team to victory!

Sarah Walsh, Westfield Matildas

Staying fit and healthy over Christmas!

For most people, the Christmas and New Year’s break is generally a time for enjoying family and friends, eating numerous meals, lazing around, and not really partaking in too many physical activities (barring the occasional game of backyard cricket, of course!).

This period of year usually falls in the off-season for most football clubs around Australia; however, this is not the case for four Westfield W-League teams this season, who have fixtures set for the 1st and 2nd of January.

Although it’s essential to relax and take time out mentally, it’s also important to keep somewhat active and mindful about what goes into your body nutritionally.

A 30–45 minute jog each morning or every second morning can help keep the legs ticking over and assist you to maintain some level of fitness.

With regard to the tons of delicious drinks and food on offer, enjoy and treat yourself, but keep a handle on the portion sizes, as we all know how easy it is to get carried away!

So football fans, enjoy your Christmas and New Year’s break and I'll be back in 2011 with more helpful Top Tips!

Sarah Walsh, Westfield Matildas

Girls FC edition #8 Meet Mel McLaughlin

Dear Scott,

Our final newsletter of 2010 is a real Christmas cracker! To kick-us off, we'd like to introduce our Fan of the Week, Fox Sports presenter and football commentator extraordinaire, Mel McLaughlin. Not only has Mel played football herself she has been the producer of Football Superstars and spends most of her weekends sideline at the Hyundai A-League interviewing star players. Mel is a passionate supporter of women's football and has some great insights on the game.

With the festive season upon us what better time to talk about staying fit and healthy over Christmas! Check out Sarah Walsh's Top Tip on the Girls FC Facebook page.

If you still have some stockings to fill, our shopping experts, Westfield have some suggestions for last minute pressies.

On to the juicy stuff… the football. If you're a Sydney-Sider, forget the New Year's fireworks, the Westfield W-League is throwing its own spectacle on New Year's Day, when Sydney FC take on Brisbane Roar at Campbelltown Stadium! Women's football in Australia doesn't get any better than this, as fans are spoilt with a rematch of last year's grand final!

It's been a huge year in football and we thank you for all your support in 2010. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC team
Contact us at girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/girlsfc

GIRLS FC TOP TIP OF THE WEEK

This week, Katie Gill from the Westfield Matildas shares her pre match meal diary with Girls FC.

What you put into your body prior to a game is an important part of your match preparation. I thought I would let you in on some of my secrets along with some of strange foods the Westfield Matildas like to eat for a pre match meal.

For me it is all about making sure I have enough energy to get me through the game. There have been lots of studies on how much carbohydrate and protein you should be eating. I think as long as it sits well in your stomach and you stay clear of high fat foods, eat what you like.

My typical pre match meal consists of chicken or fish along with steamed vegetables, usually broccoli and carrot with some form of carbohydrate (pasta, rice, potato). I stay away from adding any sauces or marinades to my protein, keeping it rather plain and boring. I will usually have some fruit latter on in the evening (apple or orange).

I think the most important meal on game day is breakfast and I always make sure that I eat a good breakfast. On tour the girls will eat breakfast anywhere between 7 and 10am. I like to get up earlier, so I will eat around 7am where as a lot of the girls like to sleep in, this also depends on the time of the game. For breakfast I will have poached eggs on toast and a coffee, after breakfast I will go for a walk and a stretch.

We will eat again 4hrs prior to the game; this is what is officially known as our pre match meal. I don’t like to eat too much for pre match, I will have half a banana and some toast with strawberry jam. I know that Heather Garriock will always have banana, honey and peanut butter on toast, Sally Shipard does the same, a lot of the girls will have Jam on toast, some will eat salad, pasta and plain chicken.

Melissa Barbeiri when at home will have her mum’s tomato sauce on pasta.

The only thing that I have to have before I play is half an orange as soon as I get to the ground, I honestly don’t know why; I think it is a mental thing! ..

Girls FC edition #5

Dear Scott,

This week in Women's Football, the Westfield Matildas were front and centre with the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup draw taking place in host city Frankfurt. Australia drew Brazil, Equatorial Guinea and Norway in Group D in Germany from June 26 to July 17 next year.

Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said, "We've been competitive against both teams (Brazil and Norway) in the past but ultimately we were always going to have two tough teams in any group we were drawn in. We've come to the belief that we don't fear anyone so I think the key thing for us is the preparation and having a fully fit and healthy squad going into the tournament."

It's going to be an exciting tournament for the team and one Girls FC will keep you up to date with over the next few months. We'll be giving you insights on preparation and players to watch!

This week in Who's who in the W, Sally Shipard talked pizza with Melissa Barbieri, Captain of the Westfield Matildas and Melbourne Victory, and our Westfield Matildas Top Tip reveals Katie Gill's pre-match meal diary!

We hope you enjoy this week's Girls FC newsletter and look forward to seeing you on the field soon!

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC team

Contact us at girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/girlsfc

Girls FC - Westfield Matilda's Top Tip

Monique Ianella passes the ball at a recent training session.

This week, Sarah Walsh from the Westfield Matildas gives us some tips on Football Drills to help improve your touch on the ball.

Football can be much easier and lots more fun to play, if you have a great touch and feel for the ball.

Firstly, a lot of the time it can be difficult to find a friend to train with, fortunately these two drills can also be effective when carried out alone.

Juggling the ball with your feet, thighs and head can be hit and miss with many footballers, some enjoy the practice and some are not so enthusiastic about it. But I must say that these exercises should be given a go by all footballers, as they have definitely helped my game over the years.

It’s a great idea to set yourself a target to reach when juggling. Start off with 10 touches using your feet, keeping the ball in the air without it dropping to the ground.

Once you achieve this target, raise the number to 20; repeat this over and over until you acquire a target in which you are happy with. A good number to aim for would be around 100 touches.

After you have achieved your goal, you can then incorporate your thighs and head into the equation which will prove to be much more difficult.

Also remember to use your left and right foot, as it is an art to be competent with both feet and it will be an invaluable asset for you to have later on when playing games.

The second drill will require you to have a flat wall to practice against.

To begin with, stand approximately 5 metres away facing the wall.

Pass the ball along the ground against the wall, hitting it firm, in order for it to return to you quickly.

On the balls return, stop it with the inside of your foot, taking a touch that will enable you to pass it back on your second touch.

Once you are finding this easy, test yourself by alternating between your left and right foot and advance closer to the wall.

Finally to finish, stand a metre away from the wall to pass, again using both feet, count the number of times you can pass it back and forth, taking only one touch without making a mistake. Again, set yourself targets to reach in the process.

Hopefully these drills can assist you moving forward as a footballer and most importantly, help you enjoy the game we love, so much more.

http://www.facebook.com/girlsfc?v=app_7146470109

Girls FC - 3rd Edition Newsletter‏

Dear Scott,

It's a Triple Treat in the Westfield W-League as Week Three offers up three spectacular games all this Saturday. A trio of star players, (Kate Gill, Michelle Heyman and Kyah Simon) have taken the early lead with the highest number of goals scored so far. Can they match last season's Golden Boot winner, Michelle Heyman who found the back of the net a record 11 times?

This week, Westfield Matilda Sally Shipard gives us her insights on National teammate, and one of the leaders of the goal scoring pack, Kyah Simon. Find out why this Sydney FC Super Striker is known to her Westfield Matilda's teammates as 'The Princess, The Punk'!

Our first 'fan of the week' is actually a whole team, and a pretty inspirational one at that! We profile the University of Wollongong Hippos. An outstanding women's team who took out every major trophy in NSW in 2009 while undertaking numerous charity events and being all-round great girls.

Sarah Walsh's Westfield Matildas Top Tip will give you an insight into pre-match preparation techniques. We'd love to hear what your tips are on match preparation so tell us how you have perfected match preparation.

We hope you enjoy this week's read and the games on Saturday.

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC team

Contact us at girlsfc@footballaustralia.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/girlsfc

Girls FC - 2nd Edition Newsletter‏

Dear Scott,

It's hard to believe we're already one week into the Westfield W-League season. An incredible 13 goals were scored with the play of the week going to Brisbane Roar. This spectacular display of skill is definitely worth a look in the video section at www.w-league.com.au if you weren't lucky enough to see it in person!

Just when we thought our vocal chords were about to get a rest, the AIS Sports Achievement Award nominees were announced. Super Striker Sam Kerr has been nominated for Junior Sports Person of the Year, Tom Sermanni nominated for Coach of the Year and the Westfield Matildas nominated for Team of the Year! Congratulations to all the nominees, we look forward to the final winners being announced on the 13th of December.

This week, the Girls FC Experts have dodged footballs at training sessions, popped-up in school classrooms, feigned knee strains and shadowed our favourite women's football coach to bring you this week's inside scoop.

Check out our interview with Adelaide United's Victoria Balomenos, the latest Westfield Matildas Top Tip and the answer to our first 'Ask the Girls FC Experts' reader question around the differences between men and women's football. A toughie, but a goodie!

We hope you enjoy this week's read and look forward to seeing you on the field soon!

Yours in Football,
The Girls FC team