The Capital Football Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Cristal King as the new Chair of the Women and Girls’ Working Group, effective immediately.

The Working Group is an independent advisory committee reporting directly to the Board and plays a significant role in shaping how the football community engages women and girls across the region.

Under King’s stewardship, the Working Group will focus on identifying the key barriers impacting women and girls’ participation in football and develop targeted support strategies that help create a more inclusive and accessible game.

King steps into the role with demonstrated experience in the women’s and girls’ game and a strong understanding of the football environment. She will also provide balanced and impartial leadership, particularly given she is not presently connected to any of our Capital Football clubs.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to work with the community, through the Women and Girls’ Working Group, to understand the participation issues faced by women and girls, and provide independent community-led recommendations that could make a positive impact,” she said.

About the Women and Girls’ Working Group

Shaping an enduring, sustainable future for the women’s and girl’s game is a key focus for Capital Football, guided by the Path to 2030 Strategic Plan and shaped by our commitment to the people, clubs and communities who make the game thrive.

Even with the national momentum created by the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Matildas, our region continues to navigate participation challenges, particularly with National Premier League competitions.

The Working Group has been assembled by King and the Board to reflect varied football sectors, operational experience and club contexts across the region.

Under King’s guidance, the Working Group will undertake a comprehensive review of the football landscape and develop recommendations including:

• Analysing the key factors shaping participation and retention in the women’s and girls’ game.
• Understanding the barriers affecting participation in all competitions, including NPL competitions.
• Examining the challenges clubs face in recruiting and retaining female players at all levels.
• Developing practical, club-ready strategies to strengthen programs and bolster long-term viability.
• Enhancing the experience of women and girls participating in football.
• Supporting sustainable participation growth across junior, youth and senior competitions.

The Women and Girls’ Working Group will report regularly to the Board, with final findings expected by the year’s end.