Labor election pledge means Central District could have female changerooms, SANFLW team by 2019

THE Thomas family is synonymous with Central District and now a $500,000 could mean another two members pull on the red, white and blue.

Jamie Thomas, his daughters Aisha and Abbie and Little Para MP Lee Odenwalder.

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JAMIE Thomas played 152 games for Central District Football Club and his son Paul captained the side during his 269 games with the Bulldogs.

But his proudest moment could be yet to come, as Thomas hopes to see his younger daughters, Aisha and Abbie, represent the club he loves.

The Labor Party last week pledged $500,000 to help fund female changerooms at Elizabeth Oval.

If delivered, it would boost the Bulldogs’ plan to field a senior women’s team next year.

“I’m a big advocate for women’s sport and it’s vital for girls to have a career path,” Thomas, who coached Centrals’ under-14 girls side last season, said.

“Hopefully this means there will be one for girls wanting to play in this area.

“If one of my girls could play in the inaugural women’s side for the club that would be fantastic. Our family is Central District, the club has done a lot for us, and hopefully this means it will continue on to the next generation.”

Paul and Jamie Thomas

Thomas said his eldest daughter, Kelly, 37, could have been a fantastic footballer when she was younger but never had a pathway.

“She had all the skills but there was just no opportunities for girls in footy at the time. It’s great to see that won’t be an issue now for Aisha and Abbie.”

The changerooms would cost about $750,000 with Playford Council, which has supported funding bids in the past, likely to contribute money.

Central District chief executive Kris Grant said the club will have a women’s team next season. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

Central District chief executive Kris Grant said the announcement was a step towards having a women’s SANFLW team.

“We’ve got to gear ourselves because we’re going to be granted a female team in the competition in 2019,” Mr Grant said.

“This year we will conduct an academy and we’ve got the junior girls footy so, like anywhere, female footy is growing at an exceptional rate in the northern community.

“So we need to make sure as a league club in the area that we need to have all the necessary facilities.”

Elizabeth MP Lee Odenwalder said the funding would allow girls to pursue football careers without barriers.

“The hope is that the facilities at Centrals will mean girls and women in local clubs feel supported, knowing that there are no barriers to them developing their football at a professional level,” Mr Odenwalder said.

He said the funding would be available within the first year of a re-elected Labor government.