Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club proudly celebrated its strong commitment to female football during Football Victoria’s Female Football Round at Epsom last Saturday.
Over 40 fixtures were played across the day, with all nine of the club’s girls’ and women’s teams hitting the pitch — a huge achievement that makes Castlemaine the only club in the Bendigo region with teams in every female division.
Castlemaine Goldfields FC’s s commitment to female football has a long history with the club having fielded a senior women’s side for an incredible 32 consecutive years.
That commitment has only continued to grow, especially since girls’ teams were introduced into the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) in 2016.
The day’s action kicked off with the youngest Matildas, as the Under 10s showed plenty of enthusiasm, improvement and teamwork. Their energy set the tone for a fantastic day and highlighted the strength of the club’s junior program.
One of the day’s biggest highlights came in the Under 14 Girls competition, with Castlemaine’s Green and Gold teams facing off in an exciting derby clash. The match had plenty of intensity but was played in great spirit, with Gold just edging out Green in a thrilling 3–2 win. The close result showed just how much talent and depth is coming through the junior ranks.
The day also provided a great opportunity for connection between the juniors and seniors. It was a joy for all to see the women’s side walk onto the pitch alongside younger players, symbolising the pathway from junior football through to senior competition and for some of the players to walk hand in hand with their kids.
As the evening rolled in, attention turned to the main event under lights, with Castlemaine’s Division 1 Women taking on league leaders Spring Gully. Coming up against a side that had already recorded several big wins this season, Castlemaine knew they were in for a challenge — but they rose to it with determination and skill.
Castlemaine struck first when Kasey Sparks headed in a perfectly delivered corner from Sophie Milton to give the home side an early lead. Spring Gully responded quickly before eventually claiming a 4–2 victory, but the contest was far closer than the scoreboard suggested and proved Castlemaine can match it with the competition’s best.
It was great to see some of the club’s younger players who have come through from U10’s out there playing high quality senior football.
Congratulations to all those awarded Player of the Match honours, including Lucy Braszell (Under 16), Angel Perttzel (Under 14 Green), Frances Watt (Under 12B Green), and Arki Jones (Under 12B Gold).
Alongside the players, Female Football round is also a chance to recognise the contribution of the club’s female referees, coaches, team managers and other volunteers whose ongoing dedication continues to help grow and strengthen the women’s game at every level.