Queens Park women’s side to challenge Dunedin’s best
“We haven’t lost in three years. There’s a lot of young talented females here in Southland ...” Leeann Duston
Queens Park AFC’s women’s football team is stepping up the intensity this season.
On the back of four dominant seasons in the Southland women’s competition, where the team has suffered only one loss, the team has opted to head north to ply its trade for the 2024 season in the Dunedin women’s competition.
There will be home games in Invercargill, but the competition invite does come with a lot of travel. However, to test themselves against better opposition, coach Leeann Duston believed it was a good decision.
“We haven’t lost in three years. There’s a lot of young talented females here in Southland and we’re hoping by entering a team in Dunedin we can keep a lot of them playing for a team rather than travelling to Dunedin.”
Duston said interest in the team was positive.
“I have had a couple of younger players come along to our trainings so far. There are quite a few keen to step up at that higher level.”
She expects it to be a big step up in speed and physicality for many of the Southland players.
“Some have already played in Dunedin a few years back and we have a good group of under-18 players who played in the Southern competition that are used to the higher level.”
The goal was to be competitive and not finish with the wooden spoon.
“If we manage that first year up, then that would be a great start and gives us foundations to build on moving forward.”
Duston said club mentality needs to be flicked to one side.
“It’s not about what club you represent, it’s about pathways and providing players with opportunities, and after our success the last three years we’re in the best space to provide that. Four years of winning has allowed us to be invited into their competition.”
For those players who want to stay in Southland and play at a lower level, Queens Park hoped to put out a side in the women’s division.
“We are trying and would love to see a few more numbers. Players like to stick to their own clubs.”
University will be one of the teams to beat, as will the likes of Dunedin City Royals, Green Island and Roslyn.
Queens Park were hopeful the yet to be released draw would have them at home in round one on April 6, alongside their men, who are playing in the Southern Premier League.
“It will be pretty evenly split so we should still get a good amount of home games.”
Duston said she “cannot wait for the season to kick off ”.
“It’s going to be a good challenge. Adapting to the intensity and speed of play will be the challenge. There will be more aggression required. There’s plenty of talent in the squad so far. We’re excited for it.”
Tomorrow, they head to Dunedin alongside Queens Park men for a pre-season clash with Roslyn AFC.