Women invited to join Edenvale Football Club
Although players will be expected to do their best on the field and at training Louis assured parents that academics will come first.
In an effort to promote women in sports, Edenvale Football Club formed a dedicated women’s side.
Welcoming any girls or women interested in football, who are 10 years old and older, the club hopes to allow them to show their true potential on the field in a friendly environment.
Although EFC has always welcomed female soccer players, with many of them competing in the boys’ leagues, coach Louis Antonopoulos said according to regulations this is only allowed to the age of 15.
Formed in late 2022, Louis said the side was established after the club noticed an opportunity for such a development.
He said many of the local football associations in the area do not cater for women’s teams.
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“We started with a lot of soccer moms and the average age of the first side that I fielded was probably 50 years old. Then the moms brought their daughters, who were 10 and 11 years old, and we grew from there,” said Louis.
Louis said for the first season, 2022/23, the club got enough players to enter a lady’s side into a blue league. As the season progressed and comradery grew, more players were attracted.
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Beverley Antonopoulos, who started as a player and became manager, said the side now boasts 60 registered players between the ages of 11 and 55.
“I got Bev involved as a player and she slowly evolved from becoming a player to becoming a manager. I think I needed that because we grew so quickly.”
Louis said with the arrival of the 2023/24 season the club was able to field two sides.
A side was entered into the blue league and while the more competitive players went on to play in the gold league.
He said the number of women players has grown to the point where the club needs to split its younger and senior players.
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Louis said the one association that does cater for women’s football is the South African Football Association through the Gauteng Development League.
“This will take the girls, some of whom have never played soccer before, and put them into a league that will be televised on SuperSport Schools.”
To enter the Gauteng Women’s League (GWDL), Louis said EFC needs to have a U14 side and be able to field a U16 side.
He said the club is getting there with the number of required players.
Although players will be expected to do their best on the field and at training, Louis assured parents that academics will come first.
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He said plans are being put in place to support learners to ensure they remain academically strong.
Louis said while fees are expected to be paid, he said no player will be turned away. He said women from the community are welcome to train with the squads.
“With the sports facilities at our disposal, we want to uplift women in sport and see them shine on the field.”
Training is done as a squad on Mondays and Wednesday, between 19:00 and 20:30, with games played on Fridays.
Louis said GWDL games will most likely be played on Sundays. The club is still waiting for fixtures.
Contact Beverley on 072 581 6500 or Louis on 082 567 6776 for more information.
Alternatively, visit EFC__ladies Facebook page for more information.
