The average age of Moreton Bay United’s women’s team has probably never been lower – and that is all part of the plan, says coach Ben Fuhrmann.
“It may be unprecedented to be giving so many players from the Under 18s a chance,” he said ahead of Sunday’s match against Souths at Wolter Park, 5pm.
“We’ll cops some tough results, but we really want our Under 18s to be our senior team two or three years from now.
"It’s about developing and keeping that core group together and bringing them through the grades. We have some hard work to do, but with those guys I think the future looks good.”
To illustrate the point, Jets could field a team of players aged 18 and under who have played for the senior side this season:
Aged 15 - Serena Singh, Alyssa Hutchinson, Kahli Anderson and Stella Woodford
16 - Amity Woodward
17 – Jessica Geinitz, Tahlia Cameron
18 – Mykaela Rolls, Jorja Rolls, Radha Turner, Gabi Greene
Ben said giving players a taste of senior football now would help their transition to the top NPLW level and “you can already see the improvement in players".
“There was probably some apprehension before the break, but since we’ve come back the team has been stronger and when these players have come in, they can make a bit of an impact," said Ben.
“Ally played a full game against Easts and was one of our best players. She did not look out of place whatsoever.
“Same with Serena and Kahli and the Rolls twins at the back. Radha and Jess have transitioned a little quicker because they are a little older. Same with Gabi.”
There was also praise from Lions. Ben said after our recent NPLW match they praised Jets for “the way we kept trying to play our football”.
“We need to keep building on the basics (against Souths), be solid coming out from the back, creating a few chances and tightening the ship again,” said Ben.
Souths have one win, against Capalaba, from five games this season and have drawn 2-2 with Gold Coast United and Easts.
