New East Sunbury women’s coach Mark Hourigan is keen to help the Thunder’s women’s program take the next step in the Essendon District Football League.
Hourigan was recently appointed the Thunder’s coach as it heads into its third season of having a women’s side.
Hourigan is no stranger to the East Sunbury sporting community, having held a number of roles across the cricket and football programs. He is a life member of the cricket club.
“I’ve been watching the program for the last couple of years and thought maybe I could help here,” he said.
“I had some involvement in the past in the junior program and saw the girls grow up to be adults.
“I had to step aside as there was no senior program. I decided to put my hand up and I was lucky enough to get the role.
“I’m looking forward to it and getting out there pretty soon.”
Hourigan said it was exciting times for the program as it aims to build.
The side is yet to win a game, but has shown signs of improvement.
“Most of the players have stayed on from this year and they did a great job this year,” he said.
“They improved at the end of the year and it’s now about further advancing their skills and helping them hopefully crack through for a few wins.”
Hourigan said many of the group were already doing their own pre-season work in the gym.
He said fitness was one area they were keen to improve to help the side run out games even stronger.
Hourigan said they had a healthy number of players already signed for next season.
He said they were hoping to attract some former junior players back to the club, while recruits of any skill were welcome to come and join the side.
“They are excited to be part of it,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the club getting behind the program.
“We’ve seen the growth of the men’s side and the club will leave no stone unturned with the women’s program to get everything we need to be successful.”
Hourigan said new club football manager Travis Switzer was putting in a mountain of work across the whole club.
As well as Hourigan, the Thunder has installed a whole coaching team to help give the side as much assistance as possible.
Hourgian said they were also after numbers for the junior girls side as well. Switzer is one of the co-coaches of the under-16 girls side.
Women’s senior pre-season training starts November 18 and will run Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm at John McMahon Reserve.
Details: 0448 700 504
