The Border Raiders Ladies’ Day has become one of the biggest events on the local sporting calendar. Photo: File.
Over the past few seasons, Border Raiders Football Club has established itself as a beacon of inclusivity within the community, which has led to success both on and off the pitch.
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With four distinct programs all running concurrently this season, the Border Raiders are looking ahead to another busy 2025, with all campaigns beginning on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.
Sides have begun playing practice matches with the women’s side discovering they may have a place at the top of the tree in their new home of division one, while the men’s side has its sights set on promotion.
“Both the women’s and men’s program are up and running with their pre-season and training; the girls had a practice match against Tatura which is a division one side,” Border Raiders FC president Ryan Quirk said.
“They had a nil-all draw on the weekend, which indicates that they are tracking well, considering we played them last year and lost 7-0.
“The men have ambitions of finishing in that top echelon of division two and hopefully looking towards promotion into division one.”
Off the back of last year’s success, the women’s side is keen to be at the forefront of the Border Raiders 2025 season.
The popular Ladies’ Day event will return in 2025 with the club eyeing early May as the date at home against La Trobe University.
Suresh Gomez is one of the senior leaders of the men’s side in 2025. Photo: File.
“Our Ladies’ Day was such a success last year that we will be doing that again and while we haven’t confirmed the date as of yet, we are looking at May 10,” Quirk said.
“It’ll be a very similar theme, live music, food trucks, with many women’s footballers to showcase how great the women’s program is in our area.
“We try to hang our hat on our girls’ and women’s sides and are very proud to be a strong promoter of women’s football in the region.”
Quirk highlighted that the men’s side was also looking strong this year and emphasised the diversity and inclusion in that team.
“The men’s side are also very much looking forward to the season ahead with Rish Kothari and Suresh Gomez at the helm,” Quirk said.
“The great thing about football is that it’s the world game, and I know the last few seasons in our men’s side we have had a team full of players from all walks of life, so that has been wonderful to see.
“It’s great to get that diversity of culture and nationalities, and football itself becomes a common language between our players.”
Paige Pinson will once again lead the senior women’s side alongside Amelia Richardson. Photo: Matthew Kappos.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The club also has two junior programs, the Mini Roos and Mini Tillies which are for players aged 5-11 and have been hosting come-and-try days for any kids interested.
The Mini Tillies program in particular has gained major traction due to the success of the senior women’s and under-12 girls’ premiership-winning sides.
“It has been great to see so many kids wanting to participate, it has been fantastic so far,” Quirk said.
“That programs are pushing forward and have some fantastic momentum which has been brought about and headed up by our Mini Roos co-ordinator Chris Kershaw.”
Quirk highlighted with so many positive initiatives throughout the club through 2024 that the administration was excited to maintain and increase the momentum of the club in the year ahead.
“Our 12-person committee learnt a lot from last year and are excited to take that into 2025 and have another successful season,” he said.
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