By Michael Esposito
THE Williamstown football community is one of the proudest in Victoria, but it had fallen behind the pack in one major growth area of the game.
It did not have a girls’ team, despite the rapid evolution in women’s football over the past few yeas.
This season, a newly-formed Williamstown team will play in the Youth Girls league, a competition for girls aged 13-18 run centrally in Kensingston.
Williamstown Football Club football manager Chris Dixon said the lack of a female football side was an obvious void that needed to be filled.
“It’s something I identified coming into my role last year, that there was something lacking in the area,” Dixon said.
“For such a strong footballing community like Williamstown to not have a youth girls side is probably a bit of a blight on it all, especially with the formation of Football Williamstown which is providing a pathway for anyone in Williamstown who wants to play football.”
So a girls’ side was established, with most players recruited from Williamstown High School and St Joseph’s College – both which have a school girls side.
But there is still some way to go to ensure the Williamstown side is viable and successful.
The team needs more support from local businesses willing to help out with the significant start-up costs such as new jumpers, team uniforms and equipment.
Dixon said sponsors would help “provide a platform for youth participation and encourage female participation in a friendly family environment.”
The recruiting drive is in full swing with many girls already signing up for the season. To register interest in playing or to find out how to support the side, contact Dixon on 9391 0309 or Football Williamstown Chairman Bill Deller on 0408 033 797.
