Barwon Heads reappoint Bacely

BARWON Heads Football Netball Club has reappointed senior women’s coach Josh Bacely for the 2021 season, while also looking for new staff to continue developing its women’s football.

Bacely coached the senior team to the Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) Senior Women’s Division 2 premiership in 2018, before guiding them to fourth place in Division 1 the following season.

Bacely said he was delighted to be continuing with the team.

“I am excited for Season 2021 and beyond. Our players are connected and driven to improve and from a coaching viewpoint, it is great to work with such a group,” he said.

“We are looking to hit the track shortly so that we can get back together and reunite.”

Barwon Head’s senior women’s 2019 Best and Fairest Candace Harrison-Smith said the team was delighted to have Bacely staying on.

“It’s really exciting. He sent all us girls a message earlier on asking if he should reapply, and we were all so happy about it and said ‘yes’, we all love Josh.”

In 2019 the club also fielded a development senior team in Division 2.

Its junior teams have also found success. Last year they had premiership-winning sides in BFNL’s Under 18 Female Division 2 and Under 15 Division 1.

Club president Tim Goddard said the club is now seeking a development coach and a women’s football director to help develop their women’s teams.

“With girls and women’s football burgeoning, these opportunities are a great way to both become involved and to help improve skills, drive belief and to build upon the great culture which exists at the Seagulls.”

Mr Goddard said the entire club had benefited from the growth of the women’s game.

“It is hard to describe the effect the rise of girls and women’s footy has had on our club but on every level, it has made our club a better place,” he said.

“The Club is seeking interest from those who can help build upon what we have and create an even better future.”

Enquiries can be made to the club by emailing [email protected].