Capalaba FC's reputation as the destination club for bayside female footballers is being strengthened by a partnership with Mount Gravatt Hawks.
The Bulldogs and Hawks have announced they will partner to improve opportunities and development of female footballers in the rapidly growing bayside corridor and Brisbane's southern and eastern suburbs.
The former Brisbane Premier League rivals, will work together on player talent identification, coach education and sharing resources as they seek to capitalise on growth in the women's game.
The partnership will cover from Miniroos for five year olds, to the Bulldogs' National Premier Leagues side, that contested their maiden grand final last month.
- Also read: Capalaba Bulldogs and Redlands United to clash in derby under Friday night lights
- Also read: Brisbane Roar, Australian stars to line up for Capalaba Bulldogs women's team as club aims for big returns in 2021
- Also read: Capalaba Bulldogs to return from hiatus with NPL home clash against Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Both clubs have increased player numbers in line with record high female numbers and growth, confirmed by Football Australia's census.
Capalaba president Shaun McAney, who also is an assistant coach with the Bulldogs top women's team, believes the timing could not be better for both clubs.
"We are all aware of how the women's game is quickly developing and becoming a focus sport as we near the upcoming World Cup in 2023," he said. "Capalaba FC continue to commit to our female player development program and we see this partnership as a move in the right direction. We have always been keen to partner with the right club and support them with any development.
"We see this partnership as a benefit to both clubs and their members. We have shared values and goals and are looking forward to working together."
For the Hawks, whose top women's side will compete in the Football Queensland Premier League 3 competition in 2022, the partnership offers opportunities for emerging stars to progress to the higher tier National Premier Leagues.
President Mark Brittain said Mount Gravatt had been a development club from its inception and had always sought a pathway for its girls and partnering with a club like Capalaba was a win-win.
"We want to help Capalaba become the club of choice for elite female footballers in this region, and the reciprocal arrangement ensures that we can accommodate those players that don't make it at Capalaba.
"Our players will work on their game ... knowing there is a clear destination to Capalaba's successful NPL Women's program."
The Hawks have been a launchpad for Matildas star Katrina Gorry, and former Socceroos representatives Matt McKay, Jade North and Jon McKain.
The Bulldogs four players for the A-League Women's competition starting next month are Matildas representative Larissa Crummer, as well as Georgina Worth, Hollie Palmer and Anna Margraf.
