Sydney FC’s Female Only High Performance Camp returned to Sky Park over the weekend, bringing together a record 130 aspiring female footballers for two days of training, development and inspiration.
Now in its second year, the camp has grown from its inaugural edition, reflecting the incredible appetite among young female footballers to challenge themselves, develop their game and take the next step in their football journey.
Held at Sydney FC’s world-class Centre of Excellence, Sky Park, the two-day camp gave players from across New South Wales the opportunity to step into a professional high-performance environment and experience what life inside a football academy can look like.
From the first whistle, the girls were put through their paces with intensive on-field sessions led by Sydney FC Academy coaches, challenging them across technical, tactical and game-based activities.
Off the pitch, players also took part in Strength & Conditioning sessions, learning more about the physical preparation, mindset and habits required to perform at the highest level.
But the camp was about more than just football. It was about giving girls the opportunity to see what is possible.
For some, it was the chance to train at Sky Park for the first time. For others, it was an opportunity to test themselves against new challenges, meet like-minded players and take another step towards their football ambitions.
Every session was an opportunity to learn. Every challenge was an opportunity to grow. And every player walked away with a better understanding of what it takes to pursue a future in high-performance football.
The growth of the camp, from its inaugural year to 130 girls taking part in its second edition, is a powerful reflection of the momentum behind women’s football and the next generation of players coming through the game.
For Sydney FC, creating these opportunities is an important part of building a stronger female football pathway and ensuring young players have access to the coaching, environment and experiences that can help them reach their potential.
The camp also provided a valuable talent identification opportunity, with Sydney FC Academy coaches observing players throughout the two days and identifying emerging talent who could potentially progress into future development opportunities within the club. And while the focus was firmly on football, the atmosphere at Sky Park was just as important.
There was energy on the pitch, encouragement between teammates and plenty of smiles throughout the two days, a reminder that the journey to the next level should be challenging, but also something to enjoy.
The 130 girls who stepped onto the pitch arrived with their own goals, dreams and reasons for playing. They left having experienced a little more of what it means to be part of a high-performance football environment.
“It was incredible to welcome 130 girls to Sky Park for our second Female Only High Performance Camp. The growth from our first camp reflects the ambition of young female players and their desire to develop.
“The enthusiasm and quality across the two days was fantastic. We want every player to leave feeling inspired and able to see what they can achieve in the game.”
— Sarah Ferris, Female Pathways Lead
A huge thank you to all 130 girls, families, coaches and staff who made our second Female Only High Performance Camp such a special two days.
With more young players stepping into the Sky Park environment, challenging themselves and dreaming bigger, the camp is a powerful reminder of the talent, ambition and bright future of the women’s game.
The next generation of female athletes is here and they’re ready to make their mark.
For any enquiries, please email atp@sydneyfc.com.
SYDNEY FC WOMEN v ADELAIDE UNITED
Keep the momentum of the female game going and come out to support our Sky Blues as they begin their A-League Women’s campaign on Sunday 18 October.
Watch our women take on Adelaide United at Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre, with kick-off at 5pm. Come together, raise your voice and get behind the next generation of female footballers.
