The South East Phoenix, with two highly disrupted Football NSW seasons in the rear vision mirror, is ramping up preparation for their 2022 campaign.
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The Phoenix, following the end of the COVID-19 lockdown, kicked off their season trials on Sunday, October 31, which have continued all this week at South Nowra's Rugby Park.
They will resume on Sunday, November 7, with the Skill Acquisition Program (under 10s-13s) from 9.30-10.45am, youth team (under 14s-16s) 9.30-10.45am and seniors (under 20s and first grade) 10.45am-12.15pm - before sessions on Monday and Tuesday too.
"The trials have been solid thus far, especially given the disruptions we are currently experiencing, as the community transitions back into some normality," Phoenix technical director Norm Boardman said.
"We are looking for more girls for our Skill Acquisition Program (SAP) which is a program designed to build the players base of skills to enable them to perform better individually and collectively we have four teams, ranging from under 10s to under 13s.
"In these age brackets, players can still play for their club as well as in the representative environment with the Phoenix, as the program allows them to dual register
"We are also looking for some players for our three youth teams, with our two senior rosters taking shape fast.
"The exciting part is we have been able to secure some players who had previously been playing in Wollongong and some have come back to us after a stint with local club football."
Boardman, heading into their second season as the Phoenix following their rebrand, admits the Ison Park-based club has never been in a stronger position.
"Even though the Phoenix has only been in existence for almost a short time, I feel that the club is gaining a lot of recognition with almost the entire southern region being represented," he said.
"With girls now coming from such places as Crookwell, Goulburn Eurobodalla, Highlands, Wollongong and the Shoalhaven.
"I believe the word is spreading and parents/players are starting to become more aware of the footballing pathway for females.
"We are building a brand for women's football in the southern region - it's not just about our club, rather identifying and nurturing female footballers at all levels and creating awareness of the football opportunities for them.
"We are also developing a culture built around a player first mentality, where our aim is to assist each player reach their potential, so they can grow to love the game and be the best they can.
"The pathways are now much clearer than ever for female footballers in the region, where they can play at club level and if they want to be challenged further than they can trial for the Phoenix, who play in the second tier of the Football NSW.
"From playing in this competition, players can move into NSW Country representative squads in which we have about 16 players involved at present and I believe that some will even go on to higher honours like the A-League Women's and possibly young Matildas.
"The goal is that every player will be given the necessary support through our highly accredited coaching staff and committed, passionate board to help them achieve their goals.
"The hope is that when they are ready they can pass on their experience and knowledge gained by their football journey with the Phoenix back to the next group of female footballers, therefore, expanding the women's game by getting involved in coaching administrating or refereeing."
With all this in mind, Boardman has distinct goals for all his sides when they return to the field in 2022.
"First and foremost, we want to build on what we started last year," he said.
"This lockdown has provided me with a great opportunity to reflect on our values and how we as a club can provide an even better experience for the girls and women.
"Naturally, we also love to build on our squad numbers from last year, which is something I am confident of once players and parents realise what we are offering in terms of high-level coaching and match day experiences against other talented players on a weekly basis.
"This has already been evidenced by the fact a number of players have signed on for 2022 after watching matches at Ison Park and or coming to a few training sessions with us during the first half of 2021.
"We welcome anyone who feels they would like to come along to the trials or training sessions leading up Christmas to see what it's like at the Phoenix.
"You will have fun while learning to play the game you love."
As Boardman alludes to, in the lead up to Christmas, all teams will train twice a week at Rugby Park, from Monday. November 8 to Sunday, December 19.
For more details, visit the Phoenix's Facebook page or contact Boardman at norm@sephoenixfc.com.au.