The Sunbury Kangaroos female football program continues to grow, with the club looking to field two women’s sides and an under-18.5 side this year.
Having struggled early last season for numbers and dropping a division, the Kangaroos have turned things around.
With the majority of last year’s playing group returning and a number of new players coming on board, the club has entered two women’s sides.
They will also have an under-18.5 side which the club didn’t have last year.
Kangaroos’ women’s coach Ron Sikora said the aim was to make the program sustainable for the future.
“When I came across and started talking to Allan [Walters] at the start of last year, you could see how passionate he was towards female footy and I think it’s only fair for that push to keep going.
“I’ve always been passionate about female football and we’ve got the opportunity and we have to be the best club moving forward.
“Getting the players here and building the culture around fun and respect and still developing the game is the key.
“I think people have just fallen in love with it and don’t want to leave.”
Sikora, who is involved at Victorian Football League and NAB League level female programs, said the only players who weren’t returning were due to work commitments or stepping away from the game due to age.
He said retention was one of the measures of success of a coach.
The club has appointed Mollie-Ann Gregory as the under-18.5 girls coach. The side will also play in the EDFL.
Gregory has played at NAB League level and has set up female sides at other clubs.
Sikora said they had looked for someone with experience through the pathway system, to help cater for all players.
Sikora said they were still looking for players for all three sides.
“We have the ability to have 24 players per team and you have to factor in injuries and holidays, if we can get it up to 28 per team that would be ideal.”
Sikora said for anyone unsure whether football is for them, come on down and check it out.
“Don’t be scared, if you haven’t played for a long time or are standoffish if we can cater for your level. I’ve coached for a fair while and have the ability to give a little more than a local coach.
“We’ve got a one club mentaully and we’re looking to work with closely with the junior girls and will keep pushing that pathway.”
Anyone interested in playing can contact Ron on 0414 296 100
