"We are proud and honoured with this appointment," said Football Federation Australia's (FFA) Head of Women's Football, Leeanne Grantham. "Women's football has been the fastest growing team sport for girls for more than five years and is enjoyed by more than 100,000 women and girls in registered competition.

"The Westfield W-League, which was introduced last year, gives talented, elite female players the opportunity to play in regular, high quality national competition."

Grantham said that women's football also offers structured international competition through the Asian Football Confederation from U-13 girls through to the Westfield Matildas. 

"We believe that initiatives such as the Westfield W-League and the performance of the Westfield Matildas on the international stage play a significant role in encouraging other girls and women to play sport whether socially or as potential elite athletes," said Grantham. "The Governor-General's agreement to be Patron of Women's Football provides a further impetus to the growth of the sport."

Grantham said that, compared with their male counterparts, women's football does not receive the same level of support from fans, the media or from the corporate sector.

She added: "Obviously, this is a long term objective for all of women's sport.

"We hope that the Governor-General's role as Patron will help encourage more young girls and women to play football and also give the Westfield W-League and our national teams even more credibility."

The 2009 season of the Westfield W-League kicks-off on 3 October with the opening match a 2008 Grand Final replay between Brisbane Roar and Canberra United at Ballymore in Brisbane.  Other matches include:

3 October : Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium

5 October : Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners, Sydney Football Stadium

5 October : Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, Hindmarsh Stadium