Aussie talent the aim for club

Mudgeeraba might be new but shoots for top ambitions in the NPL

DON’T let Mudgeeraba’s results mask their ambition.

“We want to be producing Australian players – that’s what it’s all about for us,” president John White said.

It’s a big goal for a club three games – and three heavy losses – into their NPL existence.

Yet history serves a slice of hope, with Matildas star Tameka Butt among those to navigate through the club’s junior system.

And that was long before the state league entity was conceived, an outlet officials hope will make sure the next Aussie star isn’t far away.

Mudgeeraba were due to travel to Capalaba for Round 4 today as the last-placed line-up strive to break their goal-scoring duck.

Despite conceding 32 goals in three games so far, winning, White insists, isn’t everything.

“We had a vision that we wanted to move forward in the NPL,” he said. “People have got on board – some people have opted out because it’s too hard – and who knows where it could go?

“We want to be producing the next Tameka Butt; this is all about promoting young girls’ football on the Coast.

“We want to give these girls the chance to reach their potential. What paths they take after that is up to them.”

Mudgeeraba official Jodie Paine says while the overall objective remains in sight, the women’s side is slowly turning the corner on the pitch in 2018.

“After the last two games they came together really well (against South United last weekend),” she said. “We’re a work in progress but coming down from 17-0 to 11-0 to 4-0, I think we’re getting there.”

Today’s match against Capalaba had been due to kick off at John Fredericks Sports Fields at 7pm. NPL women’s rivals Gold Coast United had their game against Moreton Bay at Robina washed out, with the same story for the men.