Youth girls football team Ararat Storm's search for a new coach and committee leadership has been unsuccessful just months away from the first round.
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Former players Ayesha Nicholson and Lilly Dowling have put a call out to the public in the hope people will come forward to fill the vacancies.
"It's disappointing to see that no one has come forward yet," Nicholson said.
"When I played football within the region it was such a great privilege.
"When we weren't getting a coach we decided to at least start training with the girls - we can't just let it fall to bits."
Both former players, now too old to play, have been at the club since its inception six years ago.
"I tried every sport when I was younger," Dowling said.
"I never really found something that clicked until I started playing football.
"It's heartbreaking to see so much effort and time put in from previous coaches and administrators to let it all go down the drain."
Nicholson said she knows there would be someone within the community who would fit the role.
"It's an amazing thing to be part of - creating sporting history in the area," she said.
"The opportunities (to play football) weren't around for my Mum. My Nan has spoken to me in the past about how she wishes she could have played.
"We can't afford to lose this opportunity for young girls within the region."
The team has dominated in the Ballarat under-18 Youth Girls league, winning two premierships.
"It's a great stepping stone for players aspiring to reach the next level," Dowling said.
RELATED: Krystal Cameron departs Ararat Storm
Former Storm player Georgia Clarke was drafted into the AFLW and debuted for Geelong in February 2019.
Isabella Simmons has also made her way into the Greater Western Victoria Rebels squad.
"If we don't find a coach, opportunities for young girls in the region like Isabella and Georgia have received will be harder to find," Dowling said.
"And people will need to travel - which puts a greater burden on the sport."
The two passionate footballers have started pre-season training with a small group of girls already committed to the club.
"We've had more than five players coming along to training sessions at any one time," Nicholson said.
"The interest is definitely there and that's why we have kept this going.
"Due to work and study commitments we can't commit to the role - but we will help out as much as we can - whether it's taking a training session or helping on game day if we are available."
Past president David Nicholson has spoken of his willingness to support any coaches that might want to start their career at the club.
READ MORE: Will Bell named district coach of the year
Departing coach Krystal Cameron led the team for the past three seasons and has moved into a role at the Rebels.
Cameron took the reins from 2018 AFL Western District coach of the year Will Bell - now leading Great Western's resurgence in the Mininera League.
"It's a great stepping stone for any coaches wanting to start out," Mr Nicholson said.
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