from six to nineteen
The season began with just six registered players. By round one, there were nerves about whether the team could get off the ground. But word spread quickly. One young girl, watching her brother at training, asked to join in despite not having boots — she ran out barefoot, and loved every minute. Moments like that captured the spirit of the team. Week by week, more girls put their hands up, and by season’s end, Nyora had a squad of 19. “The girls just loved being around each other,” reflects Adam. “They embraced our team values and created such a welcoming environment. That’s why so many others wanted to join.”
changing club culture
The girls weren’t just players on the field — they changed the way the whole club felt. Their enthusiasm and team-first approach inspired others, and the community quickly got behind them. Friday night meals at the clubrooms became extra special, with families sticking around to watch the girls play and celebrate match awards together afterwards. “The community has really embraced them,” says the president, Shannon Gallagher. “They’ve brought a fresh energy and strengthened the connection between the club and locals.” Even the mixed under-14 boys team pitched in, joining training sessions and helping the girls develop their skills. It showed just how much the whole club wanted the girls to succeed.
