If anyone thought the rate of female football was on the decline in the western suburbs, think again, with the introduction of the latest Youth Girls team from the Newport Power Junior Football Club.
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this season, Newport Power is proud to establish its tenth team this year, with its inaugural Youth Girls side running out for the first time last weekend.
Open to all girls aged between 13-18 years old, the new side has already recruited more than a dozen interested players all keen to pull on the boots and learn new skills.
As the only Aussie Rules Youth Girls team in the Hobsons Bay municipality, Club President Stephen Martyn said that the team was a great opportunity for women looking to try something new.
“Offering the opportunity for women to now play football at our club is fantastic for those who want to be involved in a more physical, free running type of sport.
“I’m sure there are many young women who would enjoy the experience of playing competitive football in a well organised competition which will only continue to grow, so we welcome any girls from Hobsons Bay and surrounding areas to become part of our new team.”
Despite the 2015 season already underway, Gilmore Girls College student Sara Elhouli approached the club with the idea to establish a youth girls team after she was encouraged by one of her school teachers.
“Sara mentioned she liked Newport Power as a club as her younger brother Shakille plays in our Under 10’s team and she was familiar with the clubs values and environment,” Martyn said.
“After receiving confirmation from the league and other relevant parties, the team was on the hunt for players.”
Since putting the call out to women last month, 15 players have signed up to participate this season, with the majority of players coming from Gilmore Girls College.
With a large proportion of the Youth Girls team coming from a Muslim background, the club has been supportive of some of the girls’ decision to wear conservative headwear whilst playing competitively.
“As a club we have always catered for all members needs from day one as much as possible and are always trying to improve on all aspects as time goes on,” Martyn said.
After a number of weekly training sessions under coaches David Grubits, Gordon Mutch, assistant coach Nazih Abdo and team manager Kate Matheson, the new side played its first competitive match last Saturday against fellow WRFL Youth Girls team Point Cook.
“The girls certainly didn’t hold back or shirk a contest, which was great to see as it was their first attempt at non-school competitive football,” Martyn said.
“Point Cook are in their second year, which showed throughout the game, but our girls didn’t let us down with many linked passages of play and lots of entertaining moments, which was rewarding for all involved.”
Despite the score line, Martyn says that this was just the first step in the progression and development of not only the Youth Girls team, but for the club in general.
“As a club we originally set out 11 years ago to re-engage with the younger children in the area and provide a healthy option in recreation activities.
“We are working extremely hard with the WRFL, Hobsons Bay City Council and others to secure a second ground with illumination capabilities to ensure our growth can continue in an orderly fashion, with a planned 12-14 teams next year.
“In doing this we hope to continue to build on the creation of this new female team and don’t want to set any limits on the number of women’s Youth Teams we can offer.”
If you would like more information on the Newport Power Football Club Youth Girls team, visit the website www.newportpowerjfc.com.au or call the WRFL on 9315-5400.
Last Modified on 18/06/2015 15:29