Catherine Ferraro
THE Mitchell Rangers Football Club want local girls to think outside the square.
The club believes they can offer teenage girls the perfect opportunity to become part of the growing success that the club is enjoying following a stellar 2010 season, and also find their niche in a sport that has something to offer everyone.
Senior women's coach, Kevin McDonald, recognises soccer as a great option to traditional girls sports.
“ In this day and age, it is so important that we encourage all kids to stay active. Soccer is a great option for girls, it is very team orientated and is a great sport for individuals to find a niche for themselves. It helps create fitness and fosters a strong team spirit as everyone has a role to play.”
McDonald is very proud of the success the club's women's team has achieved so far, but struggles to accept the gap that exists between the many junior female participants playing in mixed competition with the boys and the women's open age side.
His aim is to eventually field both under 15 and under 16 girls teams to fill this gap. One that has seen many talented young female players have to sit out seasons until they can play open age. Mitchell Rangers Football Club is proud of the professional manner in which the committee and coaches go about club business.
All coaches are qualified, with the young and enthusiastic coaches led by a team of respected and very experienced senior coaches.
Four senior players have put their hands up to undertake training to coach at the junior level this year, which the club sees as an enthusiastic response from members wanting to put back into the club which has given them so much.
Prospective players and parents can rest assured senior players provide the club's young members with excellent role models to help them progress in the sport and in the team- based environment.
Current players such as women's captain Vikki McNaughton cannot speak highly enough of the girls she plays with.
“ I love the real team spirit, we all get along really well and are friends who spend time together off the field as well,” she said.
In addition, Rachel Moore - who plays alongside Vikki - describes soccer as a great option for girls because it “is not like your traditional, girly sports and offers you a more physical game.”
Both acknowledged that soccer can offer a broader skill base that does not rely on throwing and catching if that is not your strong suit, and urge any local young girls to give soccer a go.
Training is currently being run on Tuesday evenings and Sunday's at Broadford Secondary College, prior to the commencement of the season in April.
Prospective players are welcome to come along or contact Kevin McDonald on 0432 711 940 for further information.
