Fun, fitness, and friendship at any age is the mantra behind the Sandgate Hawks’ newest AFL team.
The over-35’s women’s masters team, known as the Sandgate Sirens, launched this year, and for the ladies who take to the field each week, it’s been an amazing ride.
Coach Mel McPhee said there was no limit on who could play.
“Our youngest team member is 35 and our oldest is 56,” she said. “If you can function, you can play.
“We have ladies who have never played before, some have never even watched a game of AFL before.”
She added the atmosphere at the club had helped bring players together.
“It’s a great culture here, a great community, and the friendships you make are incredible,” Mel said.
“The game of AFL itself is so much more popular now in Queensland, it has a huge following, and the growth in women’s sport is also huge. There’s a pathway now for girls and women of every age.”
Building Confidence, Fitness and Friendships
Sandgate Sirens team member, Cuddles, said she had spent years watching her partner and children play, and was now enjoying the game herself.
“The support you get from everyone on the team, not just on the field, but off it too, is so great,” she said.
“A lot of us are mums, and we’re all going through things. Everyone is just made to feel welcome from the get-go.”
Cuddles added that age shouldn’t stop women from pursuing their sport and fitness goals.
“At our age, there are some injuries you discover for the first time, but training is always adapted to what suits you,” she said. “I’m just coming back from a knee injury, and I’ve been at training, walking, and getting back into it.”
Mel said the Sirens had a three-year strategy in place, and by year three, they planned to be “going undefeated all season”.
“I’d encourage anyone who’s curious to come down and have a go,” she said.
“We have an end-of-year trip, awards night, and lots of social aspects for people to enjoy. Live life with no regrets, I say.”
For anyone interested in joining the Sandgate Sirens, contact the Sandgate Hawks via email: info@sandgatehawks.com.au or call Mel McPhee on 0435 095 925.
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