Warriors return, with more girls
THERE’S a rising number of girls playing soccer in Wellington, with the competition feeding into the Western NSW Mariners.
“We’ve got more girls in the club than boys,” Wellington Warriors Registrar Allan Nicholson (pictured) said.
“We’ve had a strong girls’ program for some time and a history of girls playing representative soccer. They see other players in rep teams and we try to identify talent.”
Registrations for the winter competition were delayed by COVID-19 but players are beginning to return to the field.
“The seniors have been training and we’ve just been approved by DRC to train at Pioneer Park,” Mr Nicholson explained.
Seniors started playing on July 5 and junior registrations are open until July 11 with a start date of July 18.
For the first time, the club will run a half season of nine to 10 weeks.
“The first game is usually on the first Saturday in May, a week before the school holidays, but sometimes it’s as early as April 1.”
With such a lengthy delay, Mr Nicholson said a lot of players have been looking forward to getting soccer started for the season.
“There was a fair amount of interest in returning and a lot of kids have been kicking the ball around. We have noticed a high level of enquiries; it’s very much missed.”
With restrictions in place, the club plans to take the appropriate precautions on the ground.
“We are probably the biggest winter interest sport in Wellington. There’s a lot of socialising on the sidelines.
“This year, we will probably have reduced numbers. We are also competing locally, not competing in Dubbo. We have kept it local. We usually compete in the Western Youth League competition.”
Mr Nicholson said the Wellington Warriors are following Football NSW guidelines for COVID-19.
“Some clubs are deciding not to play. We are trying to minimise numbers and keep COVID safe distancing. We are also hoping to be able to run the canteen.”
With other winter sports cancelled or postponed, Mr Nicholson said soccer is proving to be a popular option for players.
“There are a lot of young kids and girls interested in playing. Junior League and rugby are not running. We want an outlet for junior sport and have the lowest fees in the western district. Pioneer Park is also looking the best it’s looked for a long time.”
For more information about the Wellington Warriors Football Club, visit wellingtonsoccer.com.au