Wilston Grange has announced the introduction of a team into the South East Queensland Women’s Competition.
Speaking at the at the club’s recent AGM, President Brett Gillett said that the formation of a women’s team was an integral part in the club’s aim to progress into the QAFL competition.
“We were planning on trying to get a women’s team up and running by 2015. As events unfolded, the team came together much more quickly than we expected,” said Gillett.
Incoming captain Mica Cubis said she was thrilled with the decision.
“It’s a huge leap forward for women’s football to be welcomed to a club as professional and visionary as Wilston Grange,” she said.
“They have a well structured football development program across all of their competitive teams and it is a huge motivator for the entire team to be considered an integral part of this strategic approach.”
Coach Ron Kemp said the move augured well for the future of women’s football.
“AFL is attracting some of the premier players from other sports – such as soccer – because it is such a challenging game for skilled athletes,” said Kemp.
“It is played on a full sized AFL field, with comparable rules to the men’s game and these women are serious about their footy and play a highly competitive game.”
While Cubis and Kemp are hopeful that the team will be competitive, they stress that enjoyment and development will be a key priority.
“The team has a number of seasoned players in addition to several embarking on their second and third seasons, but we are welcoming of new players who want to test their skills in a fast and very skilled sport,” said Cubis.
“We’re a very friendly and social team, but we also enjoy helping others develop their skills and their confidence on the field.”
“We are looking to help women develop their on-field skills – ball handling, kicking, decision making etc.,” agrees Kemp “but we are also about the team enjoying themselves on and off the field; as individuals, as part of a team and as part of a club.”
“Working with the Football Operations Director and other coaches here at the Gorillas will assist us all in moving towards the desired goal of being a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.”
Training sessions are held on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm, with games generally played on Sundays. Women interested in joining Wilston Grange AFG can contact Ron Kemp on 0413 004 984 or Denise Kemp on 0419 720 778. Preseason will commence in 2014 in mid to late January, all are welcomed.
