Active mums kicking goals

A TOUCH of pink comes to Morshead Park on Saturday mornings as the GO Soccer Mums program kicks off.

From 9am to 10am, adult women of any fitness level, whether they’re mums or not, are invited to the pitch for the entry-level soccer initiative which includes warmups, activities, drills and ball skills, and a 15 to 20-minute game.

Coordinator, Julie Warren, said they’re seeking at least eight more women to join them, and new members don’t need to have any skills to start.

“People who may be interested include mums who’ve been watching their kids play soccer and have thought, ‘gosh, that looks like fun’,” she said.

“It’s a good starting point, it’s fun and we tailor it. You don’t have to have a level of fitness, we will build you up.”

Ms Warren said GO Soccer Mums is not only a way to exercise and find some ‘me time,’ but has proven to be a positive pathway for many women to return to, or join, sporting clubs.

“We’ve had a really good success rate with a whole lot of women going onto play competitive soccer, or futsal, and other sports,” she said.

“Women who used to play soccer years ago and didn’t feel comfortable to rock up to a team, have done a year in our program and gone onto play competitive soccer.

“I was able to go into playing competitive soccer, which I never thought I could do, but the Ballarat soccer clubs were really welcoming and they needed the numbers. We all bring different skills.

“We’ve got some of our experienced team members coming back this term and joining in, but their skill levels have gone up, so we’re keen to get some new faces involved to enjoy the fun, fitness, and movement.”

For those that dream of having a kick but think their time’s passed, Ms Warren encourages them to shift their mindset.

“If you want it, you can do it,” she said. “What’s stopping you? It’s a great starting point for rebuilding confidence and it makes you feel good.”

Ballarat GO Soccer Mums has been running for more than three years, it generally attracts women in their 30s to 50s, and it’s supported by Ballarat and District Soccer Association.

Visit the Ballarat GO Soccer Mums Facebook page or contact 0438 323 582 for more information.