By JOSIP ZILIC
NORTH Geelong Warriors has been the local benchmark in producing talented male soccer players for years.
The achievements of ex-Warriors have even extended to elite international level, with Matthew Spiranovic lifting the 2015 Asian Cup in the Socceroos’ successful campaign last month.
But another quiet achiever at the club is also reaching new heights in one of Australia’s toughest and best football competitions.
The Warriors women’s teams have provided the football landscape with some exceptional talent, producing Premier League Championship elite youth squad members, Victorian state representatives and even W-league players such as Laura Spiranovic.
The Warriors’ seniors and reserves women’s squads play at Victoria’s division one level but have their eyes set on the top rung – premier league.
“Challenging for the first spot is the minimum I’m aiming for in 2015,” said Warriors midfielder Renee Zebic, a former premier league player.
The club has recruited AFC B-licensed coach Ivan Jurinovic, who is investing his time to develop the talent while helping the club elevate the region’s standing in women’s football, including junior development.
Warriors player and former premier league goalkeeper Katie Neville said North Geelong had plenty of female talent.
“The team’s hunger for promotion to the premier league is a driving force for this season and we’re really keen to help Geelong’s female soccer players get recognised for their talent,” she said.
The Warriors’ reserves and senior teams are seeking extra players for 2015.
“We have a number of talented players and we know Geelong still has more to offer,” said team manager Jess Milinkovic.
“We want to put Geelong women’s football on the map and encourage all who would like to be a part of the journey to get in contact with us.”
Milinkovic asked anyone interested in joining, including aspiring coaches for the reserves, to email her at jessm_design@hotmail.com or via North Geelong Warriors’ info@ngwfc.com.au.
