OPPORTUNITIES for aspiring women's footballers in central Victoria are on the increase with Bendigo Thunder to field a second team next season.
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Plans for the second team were unveiled at a media conference at the offices of new sponsor Southern Cross Austereo Bendigo on Tuesday afternoon.
The team will play in a lower grade of the Victorian Women's Football League competition.
Its aim is to establish a strong base for women's football in the city and build on the pathways to the top level.
The development team will cater largely for players who have gone through the youth girls system and are no longer playing, and newcomers to the game.
Thunder coach Cherie O'Neill said it was something the club had aimed for a few years.
"I think now we are in the best position we have ever been in," she said.
"It's brings in that opportunity for those that perhaps don't want to play seriously, but are just happy to come out and have a kick.
"It gives injured players a chance to work their way back through as well."
The new side will build on the Thunder's VWFL Premier Division team's success in reaching last season's grand final.
Bendigo had three players drafted to the AFL Women's League earlier this month, including skipper Emma Grant (Collingwood), Isabella Ayre and Sarah Last (both Carlton), and Hayley Trevean and Jess Kennedy picked up as free agents.
Grant said news of a second Thunder side was exciting for Bendigo.
"Each week we have had to leave players out (of the team), that's not going to be the case anymore," she said.
"It means a whole new bunch of girls can come in - they don't have to be worried that they have to be up to a standard - it's a bit of fun."
The team will play its matches at Dower Park on Sundays, with hopes the Premier Division team can play the bulk of its matches at the QEO, including night games.
Thunder general manager Bryan Coghlan said the club initial advertisements had attracted 10 new players in the first few days.
"There are girls everywhere wanting to play footy," he said.
"We will be recruiting from other sports - basketball and a few from netball who have gone really well."
The search for a development team coach is underway.
