Ella creates history in SWAS’s footy program

Bunbury schoolgirl Ella Smith has created history by being the first female to earn a place in the South West Academy of Sport’s football program.

As a SWAS scholarship holder, the trailblazing teenager will receive high-level support to develop as an athlete as she pursues her dream of playing in the AFL Women’s competition.

The 16-year-old will attend specialist training to fine-tune her skills in an elite training environment close to home.

And according to SWAS football head coach Jamie Douse it is likely other young women could join Ella in the high-performance football program in the future.

“With the existing talent pool and the growing popularity of female football in the South West, I have no doubt there will be more female athletes offered scholarship opportunities,” Douse said.

For the Newton Moore Senior High School student, the support from SWAS comes at a time when she is working to progress through football’s ranks.

She is currently playing for South Fremantle Women’s Football Club, and is in the State 18s squad.

Most recently, the talented half back and half forward was selected to the travelling party which will head to Queensland next month for the second round of the national under-18 women’s competition.