ARARAT Storm has officially announced its submission into the Deakin University Female Football League for the 2020 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After a season of recession, the club has appointed a new president Sandy Birch-Burton, and the addition of an open-aged team to compliment an under-age junior team.
The club, previously registered in the Ballarat-based Goldfields league, has made the decision to move into DUFFL after a number of considerations were worked through.
Senior football coach Bec Phillips said club executives and coaches met with both leagues before making the decision.
"We went through on what both leagues could offer us at a club and see what would be the best suited for us," she said. "After working through everything we thought the DUFFL league was the best suited to our players and club at this time.
"Our travel time is cut back quite a lot which most of our games are within that hour time frame now."
Phillips said within the DUFFL league, both senior and junior team would play at the same ground.
"We want our club to be at one where the seniors can support the juniors and juniors stay on to support the seniors," she said.
"Playing at the same ground allows us to carpool if needed and our support staff aren't stretched with teams playing at different grounds, against different clubs - which would happen in the Goldfields."
The DUFFL league is proposed to schedule 14 weeks for the season in 2020.
"Players will have more opportunities to try out for representative football in feature games such as the V/Line cup and interleague," Phillips said.
"It allows the players to really get noticed out on the football field because there aren't as many teams in the competition as the Goldfields."
Phillips said players and supporters were excited about the club is back after the recession last year.
"Things have been ticking along in the background but to officially decide and announce we have officially put a submission into the league for both age groups is a fantastic effort for everyone involved," she said.
"There is such a buzz around the club, it's surreal. We've had questions about pre-season and about the end of season trip. People are really invested and it's very exciting to be part of the group."
Ho, Ho, Ho... while you're with us did you know you can buy a digital gift subscription to the Ararat Advertiser. Give the gift they'll open every day. Buy now here.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from Ararat and districts, sign up here.