Williams Landing president Andrew Papax says the soccer club is aiming “to establish the best female program in Melbourne”.
After being unable to play in the 2020 season due to the pandemic, a group of 15 teenagers has returned to the club’s under-17’s girls’ team this year.
“We’re delighted to see these girls returning for the 2021 season with so much enthusiasm for the sport,” Mr Papax said.
The club was formed in 2018 with 71 players. Since 2019, the club has partnered with the Southampton Football Club academy, which has helped develop talent and expand Williams Landings’ size to 330 players for the 2021 season.
Southampton is a professional association club that plays in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
“Our coaches have full access to the famed Southampton Football Club players development curriculum and the female program will stand alongside the boy’s program with full integration of resources,” Mr Papax said.
Williams Landing player Joulia Milionis, 15, said Southampton’s academic training curriculum was “great”.
“It teaches us to all work as a team and helps us understand the reasons why we have certain drills,” she said.
“Our training starts with one basic drill but when you add all those small drills together you are left with the knowledge of how to outsmart your opponent and win the ball.”
Property developer Cedar Woods has announced it will sponsor Williams Landing FC’s 2021 season.
Cedar Woods development manager James Bovell, said: “Local clubs are what make communities thrive and we are proud to be able to assist the Williams Landing Football Club in its mission to develop talented female football players.
“We look forward to watching these young women progress and wish Williams Landing Football Club all the very best for the 2021 season.”
