TEAM sport can be a stepping stone towards a lifelong love of physical activity, while simultaneously forming friendships over a mutual interest. Opportunities to test strengths and weaknesses is also another benefit.
Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club (MRSC) Junior Girls Coach Olivia Cachia said the main reason young players want to join the social, competitive sport is to enjoy themselves.
“We create a supportive positive environment,” she said.
She noted that while coaches would provide constructive feedback to the junior players, at MRSC this was always done in a non-aggressive, non-threatening manner.
“It’s such a vulnerable age,” she said.
“Even if we played terrible, I want things to end on a positive.”
Acknowledging fluctuating body image perspectives, energy levels, and other commitments, Cachia caters every session to the players’ wants and needs.
“Some days I can get so much out of them, and some days we don’t,” she said.
“I don’t push them on those days. Around age 14, the girls’ social lives and casual work can take priority over sport.”
However, Cachia said the club’s senior women’s team demonstrates that a healthy balance is achievable.
“The younger girls love having the older ones to look up to, and I know the senior women enjoy being a support to them,” she said.
“I think that also helps them realise you can balance sport, work, and a social life.
“Having those extra avenues of support influence a big part of their growth, outlook on the future, and commitment to sport.”
This year, Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club has set their membership fees as low as possible to reduce the cost barriers some families can face when choosing a team sport.
For more information, visit www.mitchellrangers.org.au.
