A NEW approach to coaching in AFL Barwon’s senior women’s competitions is hopeful it can take the region by storm in 2024.<\/p>\n
Drysdale Football Club has unveiled a female-only coaching line-up and support staff for the 2024 season, in a ground-breaking announcement from the club.<\/p>\n
The coaching and support staff, headlined by co-coaches Sarah Chapman and Prue Davies, includes women’s football coordinator Rhyll Montgomery, vice president Jessica Case, and captain Elie Montgomery.<\/p>\n
“I am proud to lead an all-female team of coaches and trainers who collectively work tirelessly to ensure the strength and growth of women’s football at our club,” Ms Montgomery said.<\/p>\n
“Our all-female leadership team has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where our players can thrive and achieve their full potential.<\/p>\n
“Our coaches and trainers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, guiding our players with care and dedication.<\/p>\n
“Our Vice President, Jessica Case plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of our women’s football program, ensuring that it aligns with our club’s values and goals.”<\/p>\n
Drysdale’s female football program dates back to 2010, competing in the Youth Girls competition.<\/p>\n
In 2015, it was one of three clubs in the first Junior Girls Under 12 league and in 2017 it was the first club on the Bellarine to field a Senior Womens Team, as part of the Ballarat Goldfields league.<\/p>\n
The club fielded its first senior side in 2018.<\/p>\n
In recent years Drysdale featured in AFL Barwon’s Female Division 3 competition, making it to the Preliminary Final in 2023, and the Division 2 Grand Final in 2022, quickly becoming one of the pillar sides in the region’s senior female structure.<\/p>\n
The club’s leadership team says they recognise the advantages of having female coaches.<\/p>\n
Benefits to the all-female include unique insights, perspectives, and mentorship to the playing group.<\/p>\n
The diverse leadership also fosters an inclusive and supportive team environment for women and young people, leading to improved performance on and off the field.<\/p>\n
Skipper Elie Montgomery said having an all-female coaching and support team, including the women’s coordinator and trainers, has been incredibly empowering for all of us.<\/p>\n
“It’s not just about the game; it’s about role modelling and creating a safe and inclusive space where we can all thrive,” Montgomery says.<\/p>\n
The club encourages more local clubs to consider hiring more female coaches at the grassroots level.<\/p>\n
Senior women’s football, including Under 19’s, will begin the season on the weekend of Friday, April 5.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW approach to coaching in AFL Barwon’s senior women’s competitions is hopeful it can take the region by storm in 2024. Drysdale Football Club has unveiled a female-only coaching line-up and support staff for the 2024 season, in a ground-breaking announcement from the club. The coaching and support staff, headlined by co-coaches Sarah Chapman […]<\/p>\n