Ocean Grove girls ready to launch into under-18s

OCEAN Grove Football Club is excited to field its inaugural under-18 women’s football side in 2021.

The club has been working through the under-12 and under-15 divisions and is ready to make the step into the under-18 level, something that has been in the making for a number of years.

Junior coordinator for the Ocean Grove females Andrew Lamb said the ever-rising interest in the women’s game at AFLW level was being highlighted in the junior numbers.

Lamb said the club welcomed players regardless of experience. He said while some girls had been in the system from under-12s, others were only just being introduced to the game.

“We’ve got a real focus on enjoyment and that everyone gets and go. We’re trying to foster that as a club and really trying to improve their skills as we go,” Lamb said.

“The interest has been really significant, it’s growing so much with the AFLW taking off.

“We’re building a sense of community, friendships, whilst teaching them a great game.”

Lamb said the club was aiming to provide a pathway for all females in the area wishing to pull on the boots. Having successfully built from a couple of under-12s a few years ago, this aim is right on track.

“It’s pretty exciting, ideally we want to grow the juniors organically.

“Then that becomes a pathway to a sustainable women’s team down at Ocean Grove, that’s the ultimate aim.

“We’re giving our girls somewhere to play footy.”

Lamb said the endeavor to play from females had always been there, but the skills of the group had improved “out of sight” thanks to the great coaching staff and the power of work contributed by the parents.

Any females wishing to get involved can contact Andrew Lamb on 0419 587 799 or email him at [email protected].