{"id":25212,"date":"2025-07-09T13:55:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T03:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midlandexpress.com.au\/?p=25212"},"modified":"2025-07-09T13:55:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T03:55:50","slug":"woodend-eagles-soccer-club-supports-female-growth-in-soccer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centralvic.com\/midlandexpress.com.au\/sports\/2025\/07\/09\/woodend-eagles-soccer-club-supports-female-growth-in-soccer\/","title":{"rendered":"Eagles growing the game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Woodend Eagles Soccer Club is supporting female growth in soccer and setting goals to even the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Alistair Fletcher said the club was working toward a 50\/50 gender participation target by 2027 with the support of the local council and the state government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt Woodend Eagles, we\u2019re proud to foster a supportive, inclusive community where everyone feels welcome,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Increasing female participation \u2014 as players, coaches, and committee members \u2014 is a key focus for us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“With soccer now Australia\u2019s most played team sport, we\u2019re excited to be part of the movement making it accessible for all genders.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Fletcher said plans for gender-neutral facilities and new training and competition pitches at Buffalo Stadium were under consideration to meet increasing community demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last Sunday, the club hosted a successful Women\u2019s Introduction to Soccer Day at Buffalo Stadium Oval to celebrate the growing passion for women\u2019s soccer in the Macedon Ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 75 females, aged from four years old to mums, participated in fun and inclusive training sessions focused on agility, balance, and basic ball skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sessions were run by coach Josie, alongside players Havana, Harriet and local star Nina \u2014 all current players at Spring Hills SC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Josie, a former Victorian representative and championship-winning coach, brought her elite-level expertise to the field, organising groups of young girls, teens, and women into skill-building activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day included a match on the main pitch, where everyone had a chance to show off their competitive side in a spirited and joyful game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To top it off, the Woodend Eagles coaches and committee put on a free barbecue and coffee for all participants and supporters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone who took part also went into a draw to win a signed FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup Matildas jersey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporters of the day included Bendigo Community Bank Trentham and Districts, Nice Rice and Nellie\u2019s Shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event also served as a lead-in to the Eagles\u2019 upcoming Miniroos eight-week term, kicking off on July 27 at Buffalo Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People interested in registering for the Miniroos can do so via: woodendsoccer.com.au\/miniroos<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those interested in getting involved with the club, whether it’s to play, coach, volunteer or join the committee, can email the club via: admin@woodendsoccer.com.au<\/p>\n\n\n\n