By Tara Murray
New Roxburgh Park women’s coach Troy Geary is keen on building a successful women’s football program at the club.
Geary, who was the assistant coach of the youth girls side this year, was this week announced as the women’s coach for next season.
Geary said it was an exciting opportunity to take on the coaching role.
“It’s a good opportunity to build a strong football program at the club,” he said.
“I’m pretty happy and excited to take on the role.
“I had never coached girls football until this year and I was very impressed with how quickly all the girls have picked up the skills and structures.
“We’re going to try and recruit and get the word out there.”
Geary, who retired from playing football with North Brunswick in the Victorian Amateur Football Association this year, became involved with the Magpies through his best mate Richard Dowsett
Dowsett coached the youth girls side this year and asked Geary to come down and help as well.
With Dowsett coaching the youth girls again next year, Geary said the two would look to work together to ensure a pathway from the juniors to the seniors.
“Richard is a teacher in Roxburgh Park and they approached him to get involved,” he said.
“It was a good opportunity to get involved and I’ve been impressed by the girls.
“The plan is not to just be strong for one year. We’re hoping to do well next year and we’re planning for the next couple of years and we’re hoping to build a strong club.
“We want our juniors to have somewhere to aim for.”
Geary said he had started to speaking to this year’s senior team about their plans for next season.
The Magpies finished with just one win and at times struggled for player numbers in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition.
He said those he had spoken to were keen to return this season, while a couple of new players have already expressed interest in joining the club.
Geary said they would welcome anyone who was keen on coming down and play.
“It doesn’t matter the skill level and you can even just come down and train,” he said.
“It’s amazing how quickly skills can be built up.”
Geary said they would look to start preseason training soon.
Anyone interested in playing can contact the club through their website or Facebook page.
