By Tara Murray
Sunbury United is continuing to introduce new programs as the soccer club focuses on its quest to cater for everyone.
The club’s newest two programs are an all abilities program and a soccer mum’s program.
Sunbury secretary Elise Guymer said it’s hoped that anyone who wants to get involved in the sport can.
“We want to make it accessible for everyone of all ages,” she said.
After not having the numbers to set up an under-18 all abilities program 12 months ago, United has eight participants for this year already.
Guymer said the group would train and then have the opportunity to play matches in a Football Victoria competition.
“We still had a couple come along to training last year,” she said.
“We’ve got a few more this year, so that we can run the program. We’re looking at targeting the specialist school to try and get some more kids involved.”
Another program to be run for the first time is a mum’s program, to encourage mum’s to get involved as well. To be run jointly with Melbourne City to begin with, the program will run at the same time as some of the junior programs.
“We’re trying to engage women to play sport,” said Guymer.
“It might be at the same time as something like MiniRoos and instead of doing nothing on the sidelines, they can learn something and socialise.”
They are having a free come and try day on February 2.
She said they were after players for both teams. In recent years, the club has seen some junior girls move to other clubs due to not having enough numbers for a certain age group.
“We need more women playing,” she said. “We only have one senior team which is kind of sad.
“We are looking for more girls as well. Participation is usually good in the mini roos, under-8s and under-9s and then it diminishes.”
The club is also continuing to run a walking soccer program aimed at the older age group.
Guymer said this program had a big social component with it more than just about soccer.
The club is having a registration day on February 9 at Langama Park between 11-3pm.
The day will include a match between the stars and the legends. Current W-League player Annalie Longo will be in attendance.
