Bill West
Effervescent 20-year-old Nicole Steward is the driving force behind the formation of a Romsey women’s football team to compete in the Riddell League’s trailblazing senior competition in 2023.
Keen and talented, Nicole has the runs on the board as far as being a highly competitive player goes, and is confident the Redbacks will secure the players necessary to prove their worth on the field.
Nicole has the complete backing of well-known Michael ‘Richo’ Richardson, who is coordinator of the women’s program at the club. Richo has an impressive background of leadership and coaching with both football and cricket clubs in Romsey, dating back 20 years.
As far as the formation of a women’s team is concerned at Romsey, it’s full speed ahead – the word “failure” in not in the vocabulary when one hears what is being planned.
“I’m really excited, and I just love this club,” Nicole said, explaining that she now lives in Romsey and is buoyed with the commitment to next season by about 15 girls/women.
The word is spreading quickly since Nicole was given the go-ahead by the club to lead the recruiting.
With plenty of friends among the Romsey footballers and netballers, Nicole is keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in playing in the women’s team next season.
“They don’t have to have played footy, or any other sport. Age and ability are not pre-requirement … some who have never played footy before really do well,” she said.
“It’s a caring an inclusive environment, and great for fitness as well.”
Nicole admits to loving all sports, having played basketball, netball and football with various clubs.
From the age of 15, she took on football with the women’s game growing in popularity.
After some junior games in the Riddell league, she began at Gisborne, winning the club’s best and fairest in the Under 18s in her second season after being runner-up in her debut season.
Nicole describes herself as “versatile, predominantly an in-and-under player”.
A stint with Keilor in the EDFL followed, plus training with Essendon, and playing with Coburg.
Leadership roles as a teenager included being school captain at Gisborne Secondary College.
From an employment perspective, Nicole is a teachers’ aide at Bolinda Primary School, and also coordinates before and after school care, as well as running holiday care at Riddell.
Training is anticipated to be on a regular basis in February, and if girls/women are keen on some extra training early, this can be organised.
Anyone, irrespective of geographics, can phone Nicole on 0497 381 002 for a chat about the possibility for playing for Romsey Redbacks.
The women’s competition may take place on Friday evenings and possibly Saturday, but this is awaiting league confirmation.
Nicole went to school with the award-winning Prespakis sisters, and Richo coached them in the juniors at Romsey.
“Girls and boys should be able to play various sports, and it was pleasing Nicole and some other girls approached us,” Richo said.
“I’m quite excited to be part of the women’s footy program at Romsey in 2023.”
