By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
SPOTSWOOD'S Lorey Bentley says the club has been overwhelmed with the amount of interest its received since the club announced it would field a Senior Women’s team in 2018.
Bentley said having a Senior Women’s team was always part of the club’s long term plan and after two years of focusing on their junior program, attention has now turned to the final piece of the Spotswood puzzle, the Senior Women’s team.
“A senior women’s team was actually what we had in mind many years ago,” she said.
“We sat and thought about it, and decided that rather than build from top down, we would start with junior teams. We can now say that we are one of the very few clubs to offer a pathway from Auskick through to Seniors all at one club for both males and females.”
Bentley said females across the west have shown a great interest in getting involved with the sport.
From mums of current players, friends of the club and women who have decided to play the sport for the first time, Bentley says women of all ages have been inspired to give footy a crack.
“I think it is indicative of what is happening in the wider sense, where females may have always had a bit of a kick in the park, for example, but never thought that they could do any more than that,” Bentley said.
“The women that have joined in our sessions are very passionate about the game, and about helping each other learn new skills.”
Female football has grown significantly in such a short period of time at Spotswood.
Two years ago the club hosted an inaugural training session for any interested girls. Thirteen players took part. The club now boasts three junior girls teams and now a Senior Women’s team.
The club’s Under-15 team has already seen success, the group has won back-to-back premierships.
“While it is an amazing story of the girls’ first two years, what the club is most proud of is the development of the girls as players,” Bentley said.
“We have many that are now playing in the Jets squad, and the friendships that have come about with the team is great to see. We have to thank our coaches for their efforts in making this team so successful both on and off the field.”
The club has appointed former Spotswood player Theo Theodorou as their inaugural senior women’s coach.
Theodorou played more than 350 games with the Woodsman. He also coached Coburg’s Development team to a premiership and was a line coach for Williamstown in 2013 and 2014.
“Our club goals are to continue to develop players and their football skills all the way from Auskick through to seniors,” Bentley said.
“We have a great team of coaches and support staff who are passionate about the game and we are looking forward to the new season.”
Last Modified on 23/11/2017 09:59