Sandringham VFLW 2019
09/05/2018
The Sandringham Football Club is excited to announce its plans for a side in the VFLW competition in 2019.
The club had its first women’s football working party meeting on Thursday May 3rd with the subcommittee that has been formed in an effort to work towards gaining a VFLW license for next year.
The subcommittee is made up of Sandringham Football Club CEO David Cannizzo, board members Jo Kwok, Paul Gardner and St Kilda Head of Football Programs Jamie Cox, Sandringham Dragons Talent Manager Ryan O’Connor, AFL Victoria’s Darren Flanigan and Tiernan Abrecht, Bayside Council Events and Recreation Officer Sara Townsend, St Kilda Sharks Football Manager Leesa Cato and VAFA Board Member Felicity Frederico.
The club last week released their 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan which helps to develop the foundation of the Sandringham VFLW side and outlines the club’s mission.
‘To be a competitive, financially self-sustaining, community sporting organisation that provides a pathway to the AFL and AFLW.’
Sandringham CEO David Cannizzo was proud to announce the first action of the working party, the club’s new football leadership statement.
“Through an empowering and enabling environment, the SFC will be a consciously inclusive and fully integrated Club. Participation will be based on merit for all levels, that is for players, coaches and support staff. We will be respected role models within the broader AFL and Bayside community,” Cannizzo explained.
“We will establish and maintain a quality talent pathway to identify, attract and develop footballers, while working with key government agencies and other stakeholders to secure the best inclusive facilities available.”
Cannizzo is of the firm belief that female participation is “the future of VFL Football.”
“To be prominent and relevant in state league football you have to have the highest level of men’s and women’s footy,” he said.
The Sandringham Football Club is currently in a strong position to host a women’s side. The club has ample facilities at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, and growth in participation levels of girls and women in AFL football in the southern bayside area gives the club confidence in this venture.
Every club in the TAC Cup competition now has a girls’ side, establishing a solid pathway for elite level women’s football.
The professionalism surrounding women’s football is on the up, with skill levels increasing across the board.
Trevor Barker Beach Oval has already successfully played host to two senior women’s matches this year as curtain raisers.
In round one, VAFA sides Hampton Rovers and Old Haileybury faced off, and in round three the club hosted SFNL sides East Brighton and Mordialloc.
This week, Trevor Barker Beach Oval will host a SMJFL Division 1 Under 18s girls’ match, between Brighton Beach and Beaumaris.