In what could be described as a whirlwind start to the inaugural Limestone Coast Football Women’s Football season, the Hatherleigh under 16 women’s football team has exceeded all expectations.
It has been a dream start for new coach Laura Chester who is amazed how well the team has performed.
Chester said there was plenty of support for the side, which has not yet dropped a game.
“Hopefully we can remain undefeated, but … losing comes with it too,” she said.
“I have had lots of support from the club and it has been really good.
“My dad is the president of the Hatherleigh footy club so that has been helpful as well along with his support and it has been easy to get things organised.”
Hatherleigh did not field a side in last year’s competition, but a gentle conversation with league representatives Steph Jones and Fiona Young sowed the seed for a new team.
“I approached dad and he took it to the committee and they all liked the idea,” Chester said.
“Once we got the okay from them, we just put the expressions of interest out.
“Luckily enough, there were a lot of girls who were keen … it was really good and I love the support not only from Hatherleigh but also from the other clubs as well.”
As a first-year coach Chester has felt the nerves from the start of the season.
“I did feel a bit nervous at the start of the season and as time goes on, I am feeling a lot more comfortable,” she said.
“It is my first ever coaching experience.
“But I think once we saw how well the girls went in the first two games at Kongorong … the confidence grew and I have faith in the girls.
“So that helps my confidence as well.”
The 2022 season has seen the rise of the Hatherleigh Under 16 women’s football team, with players improving their skills every match, as well as having plenty of numbers to choose from.
“I am really excited for what we can keep building coming into finals and all the girls have clicked really well together, and that is good to see,” Chester said.
“Their chemistry is good and it is easy for me to be able to coach them and be able to give them some pointers and keep them learning the game and improving at the same time.”
Chester is no stranger to the football world having played for Millicent in the open women’s competition for the last 18 months and will step up to coach them once the season kicks off in January.
“Coaching Millicent will be a good learning curve as well, but yes, I just love playing football,” she said.
“I also have a lot of support from the Millicent Football Club which has been good too and this year I have an assistant coach who will also help guide me along the way.
“I am looking forward to seeing what happens with my coaching and adapting to another style once the open competition starts and hopefully some of my top age girls from Hatherleigh Under 16s come over and have a go at this level.”
