A decade ago, Woodend dads would meet for a regular first Friday drinks at the Holgate Brewhouse to connect with other men in the area.
It was here that the idea of starting a Masters football team was gently fermenting, much like the ales in the brewery, or maybe it was the beers talking.
What started as bar room banter about past football heroics and the desire to still play is now being celebrated as a success a decade later.
The Woodend Masters Football Club is celebrating its 10th birthday this year with a party, and the Hawks want as many past players to attend.
“It’s fair to say back then some robust stories were told of our prowess – you know ‘the older I get, the better I was’ beer-driven bluster,” said Daron Jacks, a founding member.
“So, when another local dad Steve Crook posted on Facebook that he was going to head down to the local oval for a kick to see if there were any others interested in joining him, we did. And then each week more and more came down until we had over 30 blokes running around.
“What started as a footy club became much more with the club helping the local community by raising funds or assisting local sports clubs, especially juniors.
“We’ve had amazing sponsors along the way such as the Holgate Brewhouse and Macedon Chiropractic who have stood by us to this day, and it’s fair to say after games we give back to them.
“However, the greatest success has been the improved physical and mental health of men in the community and the lifelong mates who would otherwise have never met.”
The Masters are celebrating the milestone with a party on Saturday, June 14 at the Victoria Hotel in Woodend and are calling for any past players, partners and supporters to come along for a reunion.
For more details visit the Woodend Masters Facebook page or email woodendmasters@gmail.com.
