Ivanhoe’s mixed training session a winner

By Phil Skeggs

For the first time in Ivanhoe football club’s long history, a pre-season training session involving male and female players was held at Ivanhoe Park on February 15.

And judging by the positive feedback from those involved, it will be happening a lot more this season.

About 55 players, including a dozen women and a handful of under 19s, were put through a series of skills drills and games under the direction of senior coach Leigh Cole, under 19s coach Ross Henshaw, reserves coach Peter Rawley and women’s team assistant coach Leighton Pearce.

The session ended with a barbecue on a beautiful mild summer night. The women also met their new team patron, former Ivanhoe Junior Football Club president Jan Wright, who is keen to see the inaugural women’s team flourish for generations to come.

Club secretary Peter Marshall said Ivanhoe will be fielding a team in the VAFA women’s lightning premiership on April 1-2.

For more information about Ivanhoe’s women’s team, contact Peter Marshall on 0417203601 or email [email protected].

Feature photo: Phil Skeggs