Altona City was one of the pioneers of women’s soccer in the west.
It was only five years ago that City featured in the Women’s Premier League – the top-flight competition at the time.
To the disappointment of the City membership, the former committee pulled the plug on the women’s team and the players went their separate ways to new clubs.
According to Altona City president Joe Tanti, the club couldn’t sustain the team.
“It wasn’t feasible any more, the club was struggling, we weren’t really competitive on the field, Tanti said. “There were a lot of upset people, but the former committee did what they thought was right at the time.”
A lot has changed in four years at Altona City.
A new committee has taken over, the club is financially stable and it has a growing junior base and a successful men’s set-up.
And now the long wait is over for the re-kindling of the women’s team.
“At the time when we first started with our women’s team, we were one of the main players,” Tanti said.
“Our girls in the premier league were even playing on TV every now and then. It’s exciting to have them back.
“We welcome as many female players as we can … we’ve got a fair few in the juniors, but we want to make that step and start the senior team.”
Altona City has appointed Mark Pellington as coach of the women’s team for its return season.
Pellington has coached at junior level in the past and is ready to step up to the senior ranks.
City is putting the call out to players in the west who are interested in pulling on their boots this season.
Tanti knows City will not thrive unless it fills the massive void that exists at the club.
“We needed to get the team back because we know what they contributed to the club,” he said.
“They bring a different vibe, a bit more excitement, so we need it around the club and we’re ready to go.”
Altona City trains and plays out of HC Kim Reserve in Altona. Details: www.altonacitysc.com
