New Euroa Junior Soccer Club sees overwhelming local support

EUROA is about to witness the birth of its very own junior soccer club, thanks to the tireless work of local families, with Yvone Divers leading the charge. The idea for the Euroa Junior Soccer Club grew from a shared experience among parents, especially Yvone, whose daughter Charlotte's journey in soccer ignited a passion for the sport and the desire for a local soccer program. "Our family's soccer journey really started when Charlotte joined the St John’s Primary School girls' soccer team in Grade 5," Yvone shared. "The team did so well, they made it to the School State Championships in Melbourne, and that really sparked Charlotte’s interest. By the end of 2023, she was set on playing soccer as her extra-curricular sport." After learning about the Nagambie Soccer Club through St John’s teacher, Melinda Watson, Yvone and Charlotte ventured over to Nagambie, where they were welcomed by a great group of people, led by Phil and Anna Close. "Nagambie really embraced us," Yvone recalled. "Phil and Anna created such an inclusive and supportive environment for all players. It was a wonderful place for kids to try something new, learn new skills, and have fun. Charlotte joined the under-12 girls' team, and it was incredible to see how quickly they improved." Playing for Nagambie under-12 girls' team in 2024, made it to the top of the ladder, and Charlotte earned both the Golden Boot and the Best and Fairest awards. "Charlotte was so shocked and excited," Yvone said. "To see how much she’d grown in such a short time was amazing. The entire team came such a long way, both in skills and as individuals." However, the drive to Nagambie for weekly training and games proved to be a challenge for some families, especially with long, dark roads and wildlife hazards. "It was tough for a lot of families to travel every week," Yvone admitted. "We started talking about the idea of having a soccer club in Euroa. Vicki Halsall, who’s also a parent and recently appointed councillor of the Strathbogie shire was the first to bring it up. She thought it could be a real possibility, and it got us thinking. We didn’t give it much thought at first, but the idea stuck with us." At a St John’s graduation dinner in December 2024, Yvone and Vicki revisited the idea. "We talked about it again, and this time we decided to take action," Yvone explained. "We decided to gauge interest from the community, so we posted a poll on the Euroa Community Notice Board. Within the first 24 hours, we had 40 kids sign up, which was just amazing. By the end of the week, we had 60 kids and nine teams. It just showed how much demand there was for soccer here." As of early 2025, the Euroa Junior Soccer Club has grown to over 80 players, ranging from under-5s to under-16s. "The response has been overwhelming," Yvone said with a smile. "We’ve been blown away by how many families are eager to get involved, and we’re so excited to see where this will go." The club is modeled after the Nagambie Soccer Club, with the same commitment to an inclusive culture and a focus on player development. "Phil and Anna have been so generous in offering their support and guidance," Yvone noted. "They’ve been a huge help, and we want to make sure that Euroa Junior Soccer Club feels just as welcoming for every player. Our goal is to make training easy for families, and to create a strong sense of community, which is why we’re planning to have BBQ dinners after training sessions." Starting a new club from scratch isn’t easy, and Yvone and the committee have had their hands full. "It’s been a lot of work – forming a committee, opening a bank account, fundraising, and seeking sponsorship – but it’s been so rewarding," Yvone said. "We’ve had great support from the community, and the feedback has been fantastic. We’ve had local businesses offer support, and even people without kids in the club have volunteered their time to help coach. It’s been amazing to see everyone come together." One of the biggest challenges the club faces is fundraising. "We’re starting from scratch with very little funds, so getting the right equipment is a big priority," Yvone explained. "We’ve been applying for grants and raising funds wherever we can. For example, we ran a BBQ at the Euroa Farmers Market with the help of the Rotary Club, and Café 56 kindly donated a gourmet hamper, which helped us raise $246. It’s a small start, but every bit counts!" Despite these challenges, Yvone is confident that the Euroa Junior Soccer Club is on the right path. "We’re still working on reaching our fundraising goals, but we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received so far," she said. "It’s been a journey, but we’re incredibly excited about the first season and the future of the club." For anyone interested in joining or supporting the club, sign-ups are open through the Euroa Junior Soccer Club’s Facebook page. "We’re hoping to see even more kids sign up once school is back in session," Yvone said. "Here’s to a fantastic first season and a bright future for soccer in Euroa!"