North Warrnambool Eagles launch female football academy

The Bushfield-based club will launch its girls' academy next week under the tutelage of co-coaches Tania Ross and Brad Everall.

It's hoped the eight-week program, for players aged between 12 and 17, will help form the nucleus of the Eagles' first under 18 female side next year.

Ross said the Eagles wanted to be part of the women's football movement in the south-west.

"We had decided at the end of last year we'd start it up this year, start a bit of an academy, get a few girls on the track and interested with the plan the following year we would enter a team," she said.

"With COVID and everything that's happened this year, it was thrown out just a touch but we're good to go now and we're really keen to get the team up and going.

"We just want girls to get out there and have a go and see if they like it."

Ross is an established netballer while Everall "has lots of experience with junior football".

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"He is really keen to get involved, he's passionate about girls' sport so him and I have taken on the role," she said.

Ross has spent a lot of time at the footy oval in recent seasons.

"I've transitioned a little bit to footy because we have three boys, so I have spent more time at the football oval than netball court of late," she said.

"I am really passionate about girls in sport and girls participating in sport, no matter what that sport is.

"When the opportunity arose for the girls' academy, I was really keen.

"I know it's swapping codes but being around football clubs forever basically and knowing my boys will probably be playing football for a long time as well, it was a good opportunity to have a go at something different."

North Warrnambool Eagles will start its girls' academy on Wednesday, July 1 from 4.30pm.

"We're going to get some balls out and have a bit of a kick around and get to know each other," Ross said.

"We'll have a bit of fun and run a few drills and skills."

The eight-week academy is free.

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