Women, girls in rush to get out on the park to play

LAST week’s announcement that the Matildas are coming to Geelong for the code’s first international at Simonds Stadium is likely to set off an explosion in interest among females wanting to take up the sport locally.

The code’s profile will be boosted this weekend by Galaxy United’s participation in the WNPL grand final against powerhouse South Melbourne at ABD Stadium in Broadmeadows on Sunday.

The Geelong Region season drew to a close with last weekend’s grand finals series at Stead Park, but planning is under way for 2018 with indications the region is set for another boost in registrations.

There is speculation Corio and Geelong Rangers are hoping to launch senior women’s teams in 2018 while the North Geelong Warriors are keen on resurrecting their senior women’s team.

Coupled with the growth and increased interest at newly promoted Division 1 clubs Bell Park and Golden Plains, who may be aiming to field second (reserve) teams, it is possible there will be a strong northern suburbs representation in Women’s Division 2 next year.

On the other side of town, first year club FC Leopold is likely to field a women’s team next year, while new club Armstrong United FC is already attracting interest from locals wanting to be part of a possible women’s team.

The number of junior girls’ leagues is set to swell to three age categories next year — under-12s, under-14s and under-16s.