By Tara Murray
Footscray United Rangers will take the next step in their journey having been accepted into the FV state league 5 west competition.
The Rangers, who first formed the club in 2017, had sought to move into the men’s state league competition, having had their women’s side make the step this year.
After a meeting with Football Victoria, club president Nathan McLean said they had received the news they were after.
“It is massive,” he said. “There hasn’t been a state league men’s team in Footscray since 1989,” he said.
“We’re bringing back soccer to the suburb 26 years later. The club’s journey to state league, we didn’t do on our own.
“We have a lot of good sponsors and members at the club and members of the local community.
“They’ve helped us grow and we want to thank you. Hopefully they’ll come and watch some games now.”
McLean said they had received some really good feedback from Football Victoria about the direction the club is heading.
He said they had been pleased with the growth of the club and they had a lot of things in place which is needed a community level.
McLean said having both their women’s and men’s sides in state league competitions would only help the club grow further.
“We want Footscray at the highest level that we can,” he said. “It’s exciting.
“There’s been a lot of player interest and a lot of people have seen our women’s side and seen that we are a well run club and a legitimate club.
“Hopefully there’s greater interest in being part of the club going forward.”
The club is now in talks with Maribyrnong council about what time slots work best of home games at Hansen Reserve.
McLean said they looking at organising some pre-season games ahead of February 16, when they will be part Australia Cup.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” he said. “It’s our first cup game in the FV competition.
“There’s a lot of nerves from some guys who will be representing Footscray at the highest level they can.
“Hopefully we can have a good cup run and show the community what we are about and hopefully score lots of goals.”
