Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket will field a women’s side in the inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s competition, to ensure their young stars can continue playing.
The Hawks have had a successful junior program in recent seasons, with the under-19 claiming the premiership last year.
But with several players aging out of that competition, along with a lowering of the age group, several players had nowhere to go.
Hawks’ Anthony Woodcock said the club wanted to ensure that the young players weren’t missing out.
“We just had to do it,” he said. “We had a number of girls aging out from our junior premiership team,” he said.
“There were six of those girls and now with the under-19 competition being under-18s, we now have 12 players aging out.
“Hopefully we’ve picked up a few more players in the last few days since announcing we’re having a team.”
Woodcock said there had been a meteoric rise in women’s sport, especially in football.
Kyneton, Melton and Mt Alexander have moved their teams to the new competition, while Romsey has confirmed they will have a side for the first time.
Lancefield has also expressed interest in getting a team up and running.
Woodcock said the younger girls were really keen to challenge themselves at the higher level.
“Some are very keen to try themselves at senior level,” he said. “There’s a number on the list that have the chance to keep playing in their local league.
“You don’t have to be experienced, it doesn’t matter one bit. Everyone is welcome to come on down.
“It’s good for physical health and also really good for mental health.”
The club also advertised for a coach.
Woodcock said they had a number of people happy to help out as assistant coaches, but they weren’t able to commit to the head coaching role.
The women’s and under-18 sides will train together as they look to be an inclusive club. He said they were looking to have under-15s as well, with the club looking for players for all three age groups as they look at the long term future of the program.
Training will start this month, with details still to come. There is a come and try night on February 15 between 7pm and 8pm.
Woodcock encouraged any interested players to come down to the Hawks Day Out event on February 11.
The club is also looking for volunteers to be involved with the women’s side.
Anyone interested can contact Belinda Moore on 0402 784 583 or Woodcock on 0417 441 413.
