WOMEN’S representative football gets a major boost this week when NTFL Premier League club Wanderers meets the Alice Springs Pinktails at TIO Stadium.

The game will be live streamed on AFLNTv and kicks off at 10:30am on Saturday ahead of the Waratah-Nightcliff women’s match.

The aim is to promote the growth and development of women’s football in the Territory while providing the Pinktails with an opportunity to be sighted by talent scouts.

Pinktails coach Rob Clarke can see benefits for the next generation of Centralian women.

“This weekend’s game against Wanderers is an opportunity for Centralian players to be identified for state league competitions like the VFLW,’’ he said.

“And it will provide the under-18 players in the senior Pinktails with the chance to be identified for the NT Thunder Academy programs as well as national programs, namely the Central Allies and AFL U18 Women’s National Academy.’’

Clarke hopes some of the Centralian players can be the next Jordann Hickey — now with the Melbourne Football Club — by moving into AFLW ranks.

The AFLNT’s manager of talent and pathways Wally Gallio said the Wanderers-Pinktails clash sets up the perfect environment for talent scouts.

“The exhibition game gives the talent and pathways staff, alongside Women’s Academy manager Heidi Thompson, a good chance to view Central Australian women’s players in a competitive environment,’’ he said.

Wanderers coach Rod McLean welcomes the opportunity to play football on a bye weekend.

“As a footy club, we are always trying to promote the development of our talent and support AFLNT and their programs,’’ McLean said.