Saints appeal for new players
Horsham Saints Football Netball Club is appealing for girls between the ages of 13 and 18 to join its side for the upcoming Deakin University Female Football League season.
The club has entered a team in the league since its inception in 2017, winning the inaugural premiership against Hamilton that year.
Club president Nathan Martin said women’s football was enjoying ‘unprecedented growth’ and encouraged any girl wanting to play at a high level of competition to try out for the team.
“This is a key step in the female player pathway from Auskick to youth girls to senior football, ultimately providing a feeder for our best talent to the national league,” he said.
“Horsham Saints have had girls play with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and this year we had Rene Caris drafted to Geelong in the AFLW. In particular we are appealing to Horsham District Football Netball League clubs and other Wimmera Football League clubs that don’t yet have a girls football team.”
Garry Hallam will coach the team this season, with Mark Hallam serving as assistant coach. Emilie-rae Woodhead will be team manager.
Mr Martin said the leadership team would help make this season a fun, social experience for anyone who joined.
“Garry has played and coached a lot of footy. He was a member of Horsham Saints’ 2015 premiership team,” he said.
“Mark has been involved in football all his life and most recently has taken up umpiring, which is important as a lot of the girls need to learn the basics of the game including the rules of AFL.
“Garry and Mark’s focus will be fun, fitness and learning the basic skills of the game.
“It is an opportunity for girls to build new friendships.”
The club will host a come and try day and free barbecue, where players and parents can meet the coaches on Sunday, March 17 at Coughlin Park at 1pm.
Training will start on Monday, March 25, with the season starting on Sunday, April 28.
People can call Garry Hallam on 0447 806 415, Mark Hallam on 0428 139 043 or email Emilie-rae Woodhead at emilie.rae163@yahoo. com.au for more information.