By JARROD POTTER
DANDENONG Thunder has always been a powerhouse on the soccer pitch but that’s been just in the men’s ranks.
That’s all changing this year with the introduction of a women’s side to George Andrews Reserve set to debut in the FFV State League 4 South competition next month.
Thunder women’s coach Eva Bekim has seen the dramatic shift in perception towards female participation in only one generation and is excited to see where the women’s game can go.
“When I was growing up it was just one team and didn’t have the option of playing under-12 and under-14s,” Bekim said.
“I think the Matildas’ success has contributed to the girls wanting to play and increase in females playing soccer in general.
“But it’s really good to see the growth now – as it’s opened up the community.”
The Thunder was keen to get the side up and running and now that it’s in place, Bekim believes there is no limit on the club’s possible success in the competition.
“We’ve had a couple of practice games and there are a lot more women we’re seeing at the games – the club is really excited about branching out into women’s teams and obviously in the future having a WNPL women’s team is the main goal.”
On top of the open-age women’s side – set to kick off its inaugural campaign on 10 April against Bayside Argonauts – the Thunder also has an under-12 girls’ team ready to make an impact on the field.
While they’re a young side – with a lot of teenagers making up the Thunder’s inaugural senior squad – Bekim thinks the red-and-black brigade can cause a lot of headaches in the first FFV campaign.
“Absolutely – they’re really keen and strong on the ball and got a couple of tall under-14s who can hold it up so that would be good,” Bekim said.
“I think they’ll play through the middle, congesting the midfield rather than playing down the line, so the game can come from there.
“With the recent practice games we learned quickly that playing down the line won’t cut it.”
The State League 4 team is searching for a goalkeeper and spots are also available in the under-12 girls team.
For more on the club’s women’s team or to sponsor the side in the first season, contact Tony on 0417 304 467 or visit the club’s website www.dandenongthundersc.com for more information.
