Women and girls are Making their Move in Greater Dandenong through South East United Football Clubs’ GO Soccer Mums and GO Girls programs.
The six-week programs run weekly sessions on a Wednesday for girls (GO Girls) and females (GO Soccer Mums) focusing on learning and experiencing football in a social, inclusive, fun, and non-judgemental environment. With no experience needed to participate, the programs are welcoming to girls and females with all levels of fitness and experience.
Head coach and South East United player, Merve Sevgi made her return to soccer through a GO Soccer Mums Program nine months after having her baby girl.
”Attending the program made me realise how much I missed playing soccer. It is a good way to feel active again after having a little one. I ended up signing up to South East United FC. Getting back into outdoor Soccer after six years was really exciting,” said Merve.
“I had been doing more 5v5s or indoor soccer in that time period for fun. I wanted to help and encourage females of all abilities to get active, social and teach some introductory soccer skills.”
Nine women registered for the first GO Soccer Mums program and eight girls attended the GO Girls sessions.
“It was amazing to see how much everyone had improved in that six weeks. Our last session we had certificates and a BBQ to celebrate everyone’s efforts. All participants are keen to continue with our coming up program, so we hope to see everyone again.”
We interviewed Ella (8) who took part in GO Girls and Trish (22) who took part in the GO Soccer Mums. They had the following to say about the program:
How did you hear about the program?
Ella- My mum plays at the club and told me about the program
Trish – I saw it advertised on the Keysborough Community Facebook Page
Have you played soccer before?
Ella – Yes, at school
Trish – No, but my partner plays so I was interested in trying it
What was your favourite thing about the program?
Ella- Playing games at the end of the session
Trish – learning the rules of soccer in a low-pressure environment
Greater Dandenong City Council congratulates South East United Football Club and coaches Merve Sevgi (GO Soccer Mums coach) and Elisa Zekirija (GO Girls coach) for coaching the programs and providing a safe and inclusive environment for females of all ages and abilities to Make Their Move.
The clubs’ next program will run for 8-weeks from 4 August to 22 September.
Visit our Make Your Move section of the website for more information.
