IT’S a new era for the Swan Hill Soccer Club.
A senior side ready to defend their 2022 treble season, fresh clubrooms and now for the first time the club is entering an under-14s girls side in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.
Like many sports in the region, girls’ participation in soccer was on a rapid rise.
Since the first training session, numbers have doubled to 16 registered players.
Coach Ben Muir-Howie told The Guardian the introduction of the side was a huge moment for the club.
“We are massive on youth at SHSC and this has us so excited,” Muir-Howie said.
“We’re hoping this side can become a constant production line for the club and these girls progress to our senior women’s side.”
The 2023 season will be about setting the foundations of a strong junior girls program that can be sustainable for the future, with results not a focus this year.
“It’s a development season for us,” Muir-Howie said.
“We’ve attracted girls that are brand new to the sport, so it’s a learning curve for them.
“We’re not going to be results-focused, but the development of the team, skill improvement and having fun are all critical.”
SHSC couldn’t have chosen a better season to roll out a girls’ junior side, with it being the biggest year in Australian women’s soccer history.
Australia will co-host the Women’s World Cup in July and August, which was sure to send participation through the roof.
Muir-Howie was urging parents to get their kids involved.
“We’re a family club with a great vibe,” he said.
“We encourage new girls and players to come down.
“It’s not about winning but just having fun and joining our community.”
The BASL season starts on Saturday, April 22, with fixtures yet to be released.
However, players will get their first hit-out this weekend at the Boys and Girls FC junior pre-season tournament in Bendigo.
“Football Victoria put on this fantastic tournament each year and we’ll be bringing our players down for it again,” Muir-Howie said.
“It’s a competition with the best of the best.
“Melbourne NPL clubs will be there along with Sunraysia and Bendigo representative sides, so it will be a great experience for them.”
Anyone who wishes to sign up can start the process by heading to the SHSC website www.swanhillsoccer.com
