Soccer: Eureka bloods youngsters in season opener

Teenagers Kate Lyons and Claire Demuth will be given an opportunity to make an impact against Point Cook  in a FFA Women’s Cup first round tie at Morshead Park.

Each had some senior experience in state league one last season, but development coach Laura Brady said this was the year they would have a chance to establish themselves.

Lyons, who is just 16 years of age, takes over as goalkeeper after the departure of Jasmina Zdelar, while Demuth, 15, will play in the midfield.  

Brady said it was important to gradually bring on the younger talent just as the likes of Erin Plucke, Nat Barber and Lily McLean over the past few years.

The Strikers, which will this season be playing in the state league 1 north-west under a new structure after the formation of a NPLV women’s division, are eager to make a strong start in the cup.

Brady said while there was youth, there was still plenty of experience in the Strikers’ squad meeting state league three team Point Cook.

This will extend to the substitutes’ bench, which will include defender Holly Williamson. She would normally start, but will play reduced time owing to injury.

STRIKERS will for the first time field an under-13 girls’ team this year. They will play in the Ballarat District Soccer Association open under-13 competition.

Strikers on Friday night announced  senior players Tess Curtain and Lulu Al-Huneidi as joint coaches.