By Dana Hymans
The birth of East Perth’s Youth Girls team and the success of the State Schoolgirls Championships have lifted the profile of local female footballers like East Perth’s Lauren Osborne.
While juggling the pressures of her Year 11 studies at John Forrest Senior High School with her busy training schedule, Osborne’s football resumé showcases enough talent to impress even the most senior footballers.
At just 16, she was the youngest member of WA’s senior state team competing at the National Championships, and was also selected to captain WA’s State Schoolgirls team at the Championships in Victoria last month.
“To be able to captain WA is such an honour, then to be part of the first ever female football team to beat Victoria, and then go on and win the Championship was an amazing experience, one I will never forget,” Osborne said
She has been playing football for 11 years, currently sitting on 128 games after starting her career in the Auskick competition.
After many years playing for the Morley Bulldogs, she moved to East Perth Football Club to play for the junior league.
Osborne said EPFC was at the forefront of progress for local women’s football.
“I think East Perth is a welcoming club for girls, and it’s only getting better,” she said.
“They welcomed me and looked after me. Now they've got a youth girl’s team and all girls Auskick centre.
“This is good for girls interested in playing footy, but don't want to play with the boys.”
Osborne said she did not believe football was a ‘boys’ sport’.
“It’s not just a boys’ sport, girls can play it just as well, sometimes better,” she said.
“Come down and watch one of our games. The people that do come down are usually surprised at how well girls can play.”
East Perth development manager Stephanie Walding and fellow state teammate said Osborne’s experience playing football with boys was one of her greatest strengths.
“I think having played alongside and against boys up until the last couple of years taught Lauren to go after the ball no matter what,” she said.
“She has great skills and knowledge of the game, but what sets her apart is her determination to get the ball when it’s there.”
With her talent and passion and further competitions on the horizon, it seems Lauren Osborne’s list of football achievements is set to grow.
