By Tara Murray
Thomastown Football Club feels the time is right for the club to embrace women’s football.
Having toyed with the idea the last couple of years, it’ll be full steam ahead for the Bears for next season.
Bears president Rob Mazniovski said they didn’t want to get left behind and have potential players go to other clubs.
“It is something we wanted to do last year,” he said.
“It’s a growing sport and great time to be involved. It’s a path we want to take before we miss the boat.
“We had people say if we have a side, they play for us. We don’t want to leave it too long … other clubs will sign them up.”
Encouraging the Bears to start a women’s team is the fact the club’s home ground, Main Street Reserve, will soon have female-friendly facilities.
A new pavilion is being built and is expected to be ready by the middle of next year.
With the new facilities, the club will look at adding junior girls sides as well.
Mazniovski said they had eight to 10 players already interested in joining the women’s side. He said anyone interested in playing was welcome.
“We’ve had a few phone calls the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“Some of our netballers are interested, as are some of our female trainers.
“Hopefully, we’ll get some people who have played sports and/or football … on the other side, there might be some people interested because of the hype and they want to give it a crack.
“We’re not a male-dominant club.”
The club is advertising for a coach to lead the side. Both playing and non-playing applicants will be considered.
Mazniovski said applicants didn’t need to have female football experience, but needed to be willing to not only coach but also be a mentor.
“We want a coach they can take charge and lead from the start to help chase players, sponsors,” he said. “The committee will help as well
“We need someone that can teach the basics, but also help teach them how to win.”
The team will play in the Northern Football League, as do the men’s sides, and is likely to start in division 3.
“The Northern Football League has done a great job and is one of the leaders in women’s footy,” Mazniovski said.
He said the club was looking for people interested in coaching, playing, sponsoring or being involved in any way.
Anyone interested can contact Rob on 0412 362 126. Coaching applications should be submitted to Thomastownfc@outlook.com by November 1.
