General News
2 August, 2023
Falcons kick on thanks to the Matildas
The FIFA Women's World Cup has energised Horsham's soccer players and spectators. Horsham and District Soccer Club coach and secretary Gavin McRoberts said this season's games were drawing bumper crowds thanks in part to the Matildas. "It inspires...
The FIFA Women's World Cup has energised Horsham's soccer players and spectators.
Horsham and District Soccer Club coach and secretary Gavin McRoberts said this season's games were drawing bumper crowds thanks in part to the Matildas.
"It inspires club players whenever Australia plays in the World Cup, and this one is different as it's on home soil," Mr McRoberts said.
"Many parents and spectators are coming to watch the games this year.
"Siblings, friends, parents and grandparents turn up on Sundays to watch them playing."
The Falcons now have about 50 junior players aged 5 to 13, including seven girls.
Most are from Horsham and surrounding towns but four make the journey from Warracknabeal and one from Kaniva.
Assistant coach Paul Barnett said his daughter was encouraged while watching the Australian women's soccer team play.
"My nine-year-old daughter Indira, also a Falcons player, watched the Matildas playing and she was very much inspired," Mr Barnett said.
"She asked me if the women played the same soccer rules as men.
"She wants to go and watch a soccer game live from the ground."
The club was established in 2004 with 40 junior players and by 2007 had almost 100 players.
It has always been based in Horsham, with Dudley Cornell Park as its home.
The Falcons have won two grand finals in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association: the U17s in 2011 and the seniors in 2018.
It had a solid team before Covid and its senior men's team (Division B) competed well in the Ballarat League.
"Sometimes the seniors come and coach the kids," Mr McRoberts said.
"On Friday one of the senior players was coaching the kids; he normally coaches in Ballarat."
The club plays three games every Sunday, and Mr McRoberts said he was thrilled with the growing numbers.
"I'm extremely proud of the group," he said.
"We are as close as a family.
"Everyone who joins the club joins our family."
At present the club has junior players in six teams and plans to compete in the Ballarat League's U15s next year.
Mr Barnett was full of praise for the coach.
"If not for Gavin, the club wouldn't have existed," he said.
"He's putting in so much effort.
"He sticks with the club despite the number of kids turning up for the training and the game.
"He's very proud and pleased to see the numbers and progress of the players."
The Falcons' season started in May and continues until September.