NORTHERN Redbacks Women’s Soccer Club has achieved the state league-cup double for the second time in six years on the back of a “poor” start to 2016.
The Redbacks finished their premiership winning league season with a 2-1 win over Melville City FC on September 18, who they also defeated 5-0 in the state cup final earlier this month.
Striker Renee Leota was awarded the golden boot as the league’s top goal scorer, scoring 22 goals in the league season.
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READ NOWCoach Tim Hodgson said he was pleased with the players’ effort after going through changes mid-season.
“We introduced a new system that the players had to get used to…we had a number of players that we had to replace during the year so it just shows the depth of our squad,” he said.
“We are proud of our history and we have got a very successful history, we take it seriously and we obviously play in the senior levels to win trophies.
“It means a lot that we can maintain that and we can maintain our reputation as the top team in the state.”
Hodgson said the club could build on its depth before structural changes in women’s soccer came into effect in 2018.
“Over the years, that has slowly dropped off a bit not due to necessarily a lack of interest but just due to the fact that we would prefer to challenge younger players in a more competitive environment,” he said.
“In our reserves team, we have six players that are 16 (years) and under who are playing senior football.
“That is why we need to actually have junior teams and junior age groups in addition to us playing all our juniors in a higher level team.”
He said there would be criteria for each women’s side to field three junior teams.
Junior trials for the 2017 season will be held on September 27, 29 and October 4 and 6.
For more information, contact Neil on 0417 099 927 or email juniors@northernredbacks.com.au.