A new era of women’s football is underway in Kyneton with the formation of the Kyneton Women’s Football Club.
The club has been set up by players, coaches and support staff who had been playing under the Kyneton Football Netball Club’s women’s banner in recent years.
In a statement the new club said that this move reflects their dedication to fostering a strong, inclusive and supportive environment where women and gender diverse players can thrive.
President of the new club Natalie Korinfsky said it was a step in the right direction.
“We are really excited as a playing group,” she said. “We want to start this new journey as a new club.
“It’s been our dream for a little while and as players we feel it will be a better fit going forward.”
Korinfsky said those involved in the new club wish nothing but the best for the KFNC in the future.
Many who have joined the new club have been involved in women’s football in Kyneton for 10 years and will bring that experience across.
Korinfsky, who has been a key figure for the side on and off the field, said they know it will be tough setting up a new club but they had plenty of support behind them.
She said any players or volunteers who want to join the club are welcome, along with sponsors.
“We want a future for women’s football in the region,” she said. “We have a good foundation for a club that will be for the players and the community.”
The new club is talking with all local leagues in regards to which competition it will play in this year.
It is also in discussions with the Macedon Ranges council and other local sporting clubs about the use of grounds for training and games.
The club will just have women’s football in 2025, with the hope of adding girls football in the future.
Phil Hawkes, who has been coaching the existing women’s side, will be the inaugural coach at the new club.
Hawkes is a premiership coach at the Sunbury Lions and coached in the last two Riddell District Football League women’s grand finals with the KFNC team, including the premiership in 2023.
The majority of the players that have been part of the KFNC team in recent years are also making the switch across to the new club.
Ruck Belinda Hateley, who has played more than 200 games and won four club best and fairests and a league best and fairest, is the first signing announced by the new club. She said playing footy was fulfilling a childhood dream.
Peta Turnbull is the other signing announced so far.
