Football Federation Australia (FFA) have launched a new guide to help community football clubs develop women’s football and increase the number of women and girls participating in the game at all levels.

The guide contains examples of strategies, initiatives and real life situations to assist Australia's 2,300 community clubs in developing programmes aimed at servicing and growing the women’s game.

It was compiled by surveying more than 300 stakeholders in women's football, who provided advice on female engagement, by working with focus groups from different backgrounds (playing, coaching, refereeing and administration) and conducting research on female participation in sport.

"Our objective is to continually grow the female participation base until we see an even split between male and female players," said FFA CEO David Gallop.

"The new guide provides advice and strategies for Australia’s community clubs on recruiting and retaining female participants, coaches, administrators and officials. It's a very good step towards bringing our strategy to life." added Gallop.

The launch of FFA's Women's Development Guide on Monday 2 May coincided with the Westfield Matildas commencing their preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

At the event, Federal Sports and Health Minister Sussan Ley said: "The Australian Government is committed to increasing female sports participation at all levels and it’s tremendous to see female football flourishing from our young MiniRoos through to our elite Matildas.”

To download the guide go here.