WaiBOP Football is looking forward to the start of the 2015 ASB Women’s League, none more so than head coach, Juan Bautista Propato.
The past twelve months have been positive for Waikato Bay of Plenty women’s football. The WaiBOP U-15s won their age-group at last December’s national tournament, and that was followed up by Claudelands Rovers claiming the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League title. On top of that, Rovers’ reserves won a league and cup double in the Lotto NRFL Women’s reserve competitions.
All that means Propato is relishing the upcoming ASB Women’s League. “The 2014 season was good in terms of development and we also got a few very good results,” he said. “But this year we are aiming to make the play-offs and I think we have the player base to do so. We have a very young squad and we want to build on what we started last year. Having the U-20 players back playing for us will make our squad stronger.”
The squad was named on September 7 and includes three players – Isabella Coombes, Eileish Hayes and Paige Satchell – who will represent New Zealand in early October at the Oceania Football Confederation U-20 Championship, which will see the winner head to the next FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup.
Former Football Fern, Helen Collins, will not play for WaiBOP this season as she’s taking some time out from the game. “Helen will definitely be missed as she guarantees goals for any team she’s in,” says Propato. “But her absence gives other players a chance to take on that responsibility. This summer we will have a passionate team that works hard to make the starting eleven and works hard on the field.”
Propato is hopeful of strong local support. “I hope local fans will come to the venues to support their local team. We will play attractive football and, with a group of passionate players, I’m confident we’ll do well.”
WaiBOP Football plays three home games in the 2015 ASB Women’s League. They are:
- October 18 v Capital Football, Porritt Stadium, Hamilton. Kick-off: 1pm.
- November 8 v Mainland Pride, Porritt Stadium, Hamilton. Kick-off: 1pm.
- November 15 v NZ Development, Gower Park, Hamilton. Kick-off: 1.30pm.
The season kicks off on Sunday October 11 when WaiBOP travels to Palmerston North to play Central Football.
For more information please contact:
Juan Bautista Propato, WaiBOP Football Head Coach
Holly Nixon, WaiBOP Football Women’s Development Officer
