Noarlunga Football Club establishes first ever senior women’s side ahead of 2023 Southern Football League season

A 126-year-old local SA footy club has established its first ever women’s side ahead of season 2023 and its players are preaching a message of reconciliation.

One of SA’s oldest local footy clubs has established its first women’s ever team after years of persistence.

Noarlunga will field a senior women’s team during the 2023 Southern Football League campaign and is close to forming an U14 and U17 side with the season fast-approaching.

Coach Tyrone Ivanica, who had recently returned to his hometown club, said it was a major goal of his to return to start a women’s side and he was thrilled with the recruitment effort of the Shoes to make it happen.

“After struggling for around the past five years to make it happen we’ve finally got a team – the club previously had a junior girls side in 2019 but couldn’t sustain it,” Ivanica said.

“My initial goal was to create a united family and female-friendly environment at the club and have a close supportive team. Once we got a couple players in and the word got out it was just a domino effect.

Noarlunga's women's side for season 2023 coached by Tyrone Ivanica (far right). Picture: Noarlunga Football Club

“The ladies seemed to recruit for themselves, bringing family members and friends in regardless of age or experience just to make sure this team would go ahead.”

Ivanica said he was thrilled with the group the club had brought together, with a range of talented players ready to compete for the team in 2023.

“Seeing the players we’ve got together and the talent they have all represent us under a leader like Steph Alderman is going to give us the chance to create something special.

“The girls have even come up with their own slogan - walking together, family forever - designed to promote unity and success this season.”

The Shoes' senior women's side has been training consistently throughout the pre-season as it prepares for its debut SFL campaign. Picture: Noarlunga Football Club

Alderman has been part of the Noarlunga Football Club for over a decade and will captain the new women’s side with help from returning gun Megan Weetra as the Shoes aim to make their mark on the SFL in their debut season.

Ivanica said Alderman was dedicated to taking the club to new heights.

“She is excited about what the future holds and is ready to put her own footprint on the club’s long history.

“She knows we can develop and inspire a powerful and talented group of women who can ensure years of success for the club and for future generations of female footballers.

“As for season 2023, maybe we’ll win some games or maybe we won’t but either way we’re going to enjoy our footy and continue to create something special.”

The club is still looking for more U14 and U17 girls and urges anyone with interest to contact before the start of the season in April.