MARQUEE Ballarat women’s soccer team Eureka Strikers will stand in unity before dawn in a mark of respect on Anzac Day.
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Strikers team manager Vicky Barbara said the team felt a responsibility as the state league women’s team for the region to lead by example.
Ms Barbara said understanding the Anzac values, without glorifying war, and understanding history as community leaders was just as important for women as well as men.
It was something the team had been doing for a number of years – and a tradition the club was keen to continue through younger, emerging players.
“Respect is the most important thing about it,” Ms Barbara said.
“We have a big bunch of new girls this season and a lot of young girls we’re bring up (to seniors). Now it’s up to the next generation to step up and take on leadership roles.
“We feel Anzac Day is something the girls can really relate to as a group...It will definitely help teach these girls a mark of respect.”
Eureka Strikers opened their Football Federation Victoria state league one season in Lara at the weekend.
Players were briefed on the importance of Anzac Day at training late last week, and on game-day, and encouraged to attend the service.
They will meet and walk to the Sturt Street cenotaph for the dawn service as one before a breakfast together.
Ms Barbara said it was particularly important for the team – players and club officials – to show community leadership as the Strikers sought to bid for a National Premier League women’s spot.
If successful, this would increase the team’s profile across the region and in promoting women’s sport and women’s health.
Bonding off the field was just as important, and Ms Barbara said Anzac Day was an important part of this, so early in the season.
Ms Barbara said as a bunch of new girls, thrown together to try and work together as a team, building camaraderie among the group was an important value the players could relate to in learning Anzac stories.
As a day of national reflection, Ms Barbara said there were always a couple of players with relatives who had experienced war, so the service always hit a personal note.
Ballarat’s annual dawn service at the Sturt Street cenotaph will start 5.45am. A service at the Arch of Victory, and planting of a Lone Pine, will take place at 8am. The annual Anzac Day march along Lydiard Street, from the Ballarat RSL to the cenotaph starts 10.30am, with another commemorative service at the cenotaph to follow.
