KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of FAM's National Women's League (NWL) at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam today has spurred the Sports Ministry to hold a townhall for female athletes and coaches.
For a better understanding of the local sports industry's ecosystem for sportswomen, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the townhall could gauge what is needed to attract more females to sports.
"Actually there is plenty of female talent. This (NWL) will attract interest. It will make them feel like they can play, which will ensure we can find talent in football," said Yeoh.
"I will hold a townhall with female athletes and coaches to see the ecosystem. Usually if we want more (talent), then we have to have more teams. And to do so, we need more money and sponsors, so the system needs to be tightened and strengthened to grow women's football.
"This is a good start, we will discuss with FAM and the NSC (National Sports Council) to see what other focus could be given to females in sports and how we can leverage on it," added Yeoh.
FAM women's football technical director Soleen Al-Zoubi is elated that the WNL has finally kicked off, saying it has been a long time coming.
"To be honest, it feels great because since I arrived, it has been an objective to organise a women's league, to provide players with the opportunity to compete in competitive games, to train for a longer period," said Soleen.