INTRODUCTORY football program, GO Soccer Mums is engaging women of all ages in the fun and fitness of \u2018the world game.\u2019<\/p>\n
Facilitator Nancy Kay said all ladies are welcome, not just mums, whether they\u2019ve played soccer before or are completely new to the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe offer a space where women can get out and play in a non-judgemental environment. Some are coming back to soccer after having their families,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about soccer, it\u2019s social exercise. We\u2019re getting outdoors, getting some fresh air and exercise, but also meeting with a bunch of other women to have a laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n
GO Soccer Mums is proving to be a springboard for some players who are discovering, or rediscovering, a love of the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great program that can lead on to playing in an indoor competition, or an 11-a-side competition.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sessions have grown to feel like the gathering of a \u201cbig friendship group.\u201d Participants also enjoy catching up away from soccer, heading out for coffee, or to see a show.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a woman\u2019s group of friends are purely other mums at school, this is something different for her,\u201d Ms Kay said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGO Soccer Mums is a space just for them, and one lady told me the program has made her feel so young again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a really good group. We\u2019ve had 12 women each week, even with some away, and we have two \u2018deliverers\u2019 taking the program in groups.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Football Victoria initiative, GO Soccer Mums is now hosted by the Ballarat & District Soccer Association.<\/p>\n
President Herman Bogers said BDSA is proud to be offering more sporting opportunities for women of all ages.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see more women getting involved in soccer. This is an active program, there\u2019s lots of running around, but it\u2019s a real social space,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The sessions are held during school terms at Morshead Park on a synthetic pitch, so participants can wear their regular runners.<\/p>\n