The Brighton Bulldogs Football Club has welcomed a new addition to its family, the Brighton Prowl, an over-30s women’s football team that has been kicking goals in its debut season.
The team of 19 women, many of whom have never played football before, has climbed to fourth place in the tournament ladder so far, with seven wins out of nine games.
Team member Rosie Phillips said Dave Lowe, who oversees women’s football at Brighton, noticed a growing interest in the sport following the FIFA Women’s World Cup and decided to form another women’s team.
“He organised a few trial days and by February, through word-of-mouth and existing friendships, the Brighton Bulldogs had a second over-30s women’s team, named Prowl,” Rosie said. “The players from the Howl team, our more experienced counterparts, worked diligently with Dave Lowe and other trainers to prepare us for the start of the season.”
Building Bonds and Seeking Support
The team’s success can be attributed to their hard work, dedication and the inspiration they draw from the recent success of the Matildas.
“They really cemented the idea that football isn’t just for men,” Rosie said. “Growing up, finding an all-female team to play in wasn’t easy. I saw this new team as an opportunity to promote football and exercise to my own children and to show them and other young girls that it’s never too late or you’re never too inexperienced to try something new.”
The team trains every Wednesday evening and recently sourced a new coach, Andrew Pickford.
Rosie said they also enjoyed spending time together off the field.
“We’re forming bonds like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” she said. “It must be something about winning, losing and working together to create something we all care about, while actually feeling like we are gaining skills.
“Women supporting women to be happy and healthy is so important and this is what our team is all about.
“We can always count on a laugh twice a week – at training and then again at games on Friday nights. I honestly don’t know what I will do once the season ends!”
The team is currently seeking sponsorship for both the Howl and Prowl women’s teams.
“With sponsorship, we could look into getting matching jackets or something similar to strengthen the sense of unity within the club,” Rosie said.
To learn more about corporate sponsorship or joining the team contact the them here.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- “Stayin’ Alive” in the Days Before Triple Zero
- Silver Swans Prove You’re Never Too Old to Plie
- The Scoop on Poop
Photos courtesy of Bruce Redman
