Women united at Morshead Park

A TRAINING camp for Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League women’s team was held in Ballarat last weekend.

The team is a few weeks into their pre-season preparations, and Western United defender Tyla Jay Vlajnic said the squad is working well together.

“The feeling in the group is amazing. I came in on Monday and found the girls are great, the coaching staff are great, and there’s a real buzz,” she said.

“I know it’s the inaugural season and everybody’s super excited, but you can really feel it. When you step in, everyone’s getting around each other, on a kind-of high, and are ready to go.

“The work-rate is phenomenal. I’ve loved every minute.”

Vlajnic said training camps are key to bringing athletes together and establishing a strong bond, as they provide an opportunity for players to get to know one another off the football pitch.

“We can have conversations, get to know what they like, what they don’t like, who they are, and it’s a real benefit to do these types of trips so you gel better on the field.

“I’m a firm believer in things you do off the field showing with quality on the field, so the more we can get to know each other and hang out will be better for us on the field,” she said.

“The camp is also a chance to capture more of an audience and get amongst the community in Ballarat. It’s important for us, and the community out here.”

Having met most of her teammates already through the NPL, Vlajnic said she’s either played with, or against, many of them before.

In a Liberty A-League Women friendly match at Morshead Park during last weekend’s camp, Western United had a 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory, after a late strike from Hannah Keane.