The Victorian Women’s Football League competition is still 10 weeks away, but the Bendigo Thunder have kicked their first goal of the season.
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The fledgling football team has joined forces with It’s Her Gym in a major off-field deal.
The Mollison Street-based gym will be the club’s training base and has also contributed financial and marketing support that volunteer operated sporting clubs crave for.
"I'm a footy tragic and finally women’s football is taking off,” It’s Her Gym owner Sue Walton said.
”I always wanted to play when I was a youngster, but the opportunity didn't exist back then.
“With more and more young girls playing through Auskick and youth girls competitions, the Victorian Women's Football League can only get stronger and the AFL has huge plans for the women's football in 2017.
"The Thunder are a professional, talented club who need the support of the Bendigo community to continue their success both on and off the field.
“If It's Her Gym can be a part of that success, then it's as good as pulling the boots on myself.”
Bendigo Thunder captain Emma Grant said the players would benefit on and off the field from the partnership with It’s Her Gym.
“Sue and her staff will add another professional dimension to our training and conditioning,’’ Grant said.
“I think that there will be so many opportunities that will arise from this partnership.
“We can’t wait to work hard both in the gym and on the track and, hopefully, we will reap some rewards in 2016 and beyond.”
The Thunder are still chasing more sponsors for the 2016 season.
"If you're a footy lover, then I encourage you to come along and watch some games this year,’’ Walton added.
“If you're a Bendigo business owner, there will be opportunities to sponsor the club on all sorts of levels before the season starts.
“This playing group means business and are yet another example of Bendigo sportswomen doing our city proud".