A celebration of women and girls in Illawarra football

All the top young whistleblowers are involved in coaching and development courses as they rise through the Football South Coast ranks.

They gathered together at Judy Masters Oval last week with the likes of National Premier League Women's official Lottie Cabassi-Power and Illawarra referees coach Bobby Mazevski.

It's part of a range of activities this week, which kicked off with a charity fundraising round for the Illawarra Women's Health Centre.

There's also be a girls coaching education session at Illawarra Sports High on Tuesday afternoon and Ian McLennan Park on Thursday, as well as a come and try day at the Fraternity Club's futsal courts on Sunday, starting at 10am.

The Illawarra Stingrays have continued their commitment as a leader in women's football, by launching a schools pilot program in partnership with NSW NPL leaders Wollongong Wolves at The Illawarra Grammar School.

School children have been attending clinics before class with the likes of ex-Socceroos Luke Wilkshire and Scott Chipperfield, as well as top Stingrays players Caitlin Cooper, a former Matildas defender, and star striker Michelle Carney.

"It's something we're working really hard on, building a culture where we can give back to the community," president Kathy McDonogh said.

"It's female football week and there's been a lot of discussion on what we can do, so the school pilot program is an important step for us.

"Not just to help develop the kids' skills, but also provide healthy breakfast and promote a healthy lifestyle.

"Our girls are accidental heroes in football, they want to play at the top level for the Stingrays, but also can be fantastic role models for young girls who aspire to do the same."

The women's World Cup begins in less two weeks, featuring Shellharbour's Caitlin Foord and former Illawarra schoolgirl Mary Fowler, who takes over the mantle as the youngest ever Matildas player to be at the tournament.

The Matildas will play Italy, Brazil and Jamaica in their group.

Meanwhile, Carney, Chloe Middleton and Tilly Kramer found the net in the Stingrays 3-nil win over bottom-placed North Shore Mariners on Sunday.

The Rays had been frustrated and held scoreless in the first-half, but found a way, keeping them just two points behind leaders Northern Tigers, as second-placed Blacktown City recorded an important 2-1 win over Sydney Olympic.

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