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Two regional soccer teams have been approved to play in the Community Premier League (CPL) junior girls' competition, reversing an initial knockback by Football Victoria.
The football governing body originally barred Bendigo Football Club and Albury-Wodonga's Murray United FC from taking part in the competition, citing a large number of applications.
But the ABC understands the two regional clubs have now been told they can compete in the competition, giving young female players pathways to play in premier leagues.
Bendigo City FC technical director Nathan Claridge said the decision showed good leadership from Football Victoria and was a huge win for regional football.
"We did work hard to get here, and we felt that this was right for the girls" he said.
Mr Claridge said there was a large groundswell of support for young female footballers in the town since the initial decision.
"It created an awareness of the scenario … and turned it all around in a matter of 24 hours," he said.
More opportunity for young players
The change will now mean Bendigo City FC and Murray United FC will be able to enter under 13s, under 15s, and under 17s teams in the CPL competition.
Male players from the club have had access to the CPL for many years.
Girl players have previously had to travel three times a week to Melbourne to train with clubs at the same level.
Bendigo City FC player Caitlin O'Brien, 14, was very happy with the decision.
"This makes it easier to get more opportunities in the future for me," she said.
"There are players from smaller rural towns that this would be good for as well, just so there's less travel for them."
Joan O'Brien and her daughter Caitlin have welcomed the decision's reversal. (ABC Central Victoria: Philippe Perez)
Caitlin's mum Joan said the reversal of the decision made it "fairer for young girls [in] both metro and regional areas".
"It means that kids can still maintain their connections with their local communities, and it doesn't limit them," she said.
"It also means that we can [help] Caitlin to see those opportunities for her soccer future."
Large number of applications
Football Victoria has not responded to requests for comment.
The ABC has seen an email to Murray United FC's directors confirming the club's female teams could now take part in the competition.
"We received an overwhelming number of applications from clubs across the state, and accordingly have continued to review the optimal competition structure to deliver our 2024-2028 Strategic Framework," the email said.
"We can confirm that your club will be offered the opportunity to participate in this community competition in the 2025 season."
A new structure for the competition, including the new teams, will be confirmed next year.