Girls Football Academy launched in the Illawarra

Football South Coast announced the opening of the region's first Girls Football Academy on Monday.

With the women's game continuing to grow around Australia and in the Illawarra, the governing body will attempt to nurture the region's gifted youngsters in an elite program.

"It looks like they have about 50 girls on the books already," said Football NSW facilities development officer Mark Chester.

"The idea is that this academy is going to be set up so that the girls that are showing the most promise in that age group, from nine to about 15, are getting the technically help and the skills that they need to be able to go on to the Illawarra Stingrays and potentially the Matildas.

"That is the starting point for it. Now they are just looking to move on. There are about 3000 females playing in this area, about 25 per cent of all players on the South Coast, so obviously there is a need there."

The South Coast has long been a breeding ground for footballers, with current Matildas players Caitlin Foord and Michelle Heyman both growing up in Shellharbour.

Both players hope to make the Australian squad for the World Cup in Canada later this year.

It is hoped the academy will create pathways for players.

"The thing about the Girls Academy is that it is an opportunity for kids who we are thinking are particularly talented, to be able to make a career path. But as well as that, it is for kids to just come and enjoy themselves," Chester said.

"Football is about having fun, exercise, meeting new people and enjoying yourself. If, as a result of all of that, you can actually make a living out of playing football, that is just a bonus."