Tara Murray
Aaron Paterson didn’t hesitate to put his hand up to coach Romsey’s inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s side.
Part of the Redbacks’ men’s side, Paterson was last week announced as the club’s women’s coach.
Paterson said it was a challenge he was keen to be part of.
“It’s awesome to be part of something like this,” he said.
“It’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to the season. As soon as I heard that the club was looking to make a team, I jumped at the chance to put my hat in the ring to coach them.
“Hopefully we can keep building numbers and have a competitive season.”
Paterson said he had always been keen to transition in coaching eventually. He said he loved the teaching side of things in football.
“I’ve helped out the younger guys in the men’s group and helped the under-19s when they’ve trained with us.
“I watched the women’s game on tv, but it [coaching women’s] wasn’t something that I thought about.
“Seeing girls coming through like Georgie and Maddy Prespakis and showing their talents against the boys, it’s good they now have an opportunity to show that against other girls and I want to be part of that.”
Paterson said he doesn’t think juggling playing for the men’s side and coaching the women’s team will be too hard and believes that it will help his own game.
He said one of the biggest things for him this season was emphasising a one club motto, with all the teams working together under the one banner.
The side had its first training session last week, with a dozen players taking to the track.
Paterson said they are still looking for another four to six players, while he believes some of the netballers are keen to play as well.
He said it was really exciting watching the group go about it.
“Watching the girls enjoy their football, brings it back to the real basic level of why people play football,” he said.
“A lot have never played before and they are enjoying the fitness side of things. It’s new for them, which is really keen.”
The Redbacks will be part of a competition that will have five or six teams, with the final number to still be confirmed.
Melton, Kyneton and Mt Alexander have moved their teams to the competition. Woodend-Hesket will field a team for the first time, while Lancefield has sought expressions of interests.
Paterson said it was huge to be part of the beginning of women’s football in the RDFL.
“It’s huge, the first Romsey team and the first time for the league,” he said.
“No one knows what to expect. We want to have a strong culture. The wins will come, for us it’s about them wanting to come back for future seasons.
“There’s a real buzz, it’s been really humbling.”
Anyone interested in playing can contact Aaron on 0435 875 029 or Nicole on 0497 381 002.
