Club keen to recruit more women

THE Golden Plains Soccer Club is keen to recruit new senior women players to strengthen its ranks.

“Currently, we have 11 to 12 senior women players and ideally, we’d love to add another three to five players to strengthen depth and rotations across the season,” senior women’s player and football operations manager Tarni Croker said.

“We’re actively encouraging new and returning players to get involved,” she said.

“In terms of what new recruits can expect, our senior women’s program is focused on both development and enjoyment of the game.

“Players can expect structured training sessions that build technical skills like passing and shooting and also tactical awareness, fitness, and matchplay understanding.

“We cater for a mix of experience levels, whether players are returning to football, new to the game or looking to compete at a strong local level.”

Training typically involves warm-up and conditioning, skill-based drills, tactical and team structure work, and small-sided games or match simulation.

“We train twice a week during pre-season and the season itself, from 6pm to 7.30pm on both Tuesday and Thursday nights, said Croker, who started playing back in her school days, developing a strong appreciation for the tactical side of the sport.

Saturday matches are part of the competition schedule, and this year the club has applied to host some home games on Friday nights as well.

“All of our training sessions and home games are held locally at Bannockburn Recreational Precinct, making it accessible for women in and around the Golden Plains region,” Croker said.

On the competitive side, the club competes in the local Geelong Division 2 League, which includes weekly fixtures during the season, finals opportunities, and a strong community atmosphere.

“It’s competitive but very supportive and we focus heavily on team culture, inclusion, and building confidence both on and off the pitch,” Croker said.

“We’re really proud of the growth in women’s football locally and excited about welcoming new players this season.”

Those interested in joining the club as a player are encouraged to simply attend a training session.

Or they can email [email protected] for more details.