Top of the table after five games – with a squad whose average age on gamedays is under 18. To say FV Emerging have had a blistering start to the season would be an understatement.
A driving force behind the team’s success has been the influence of Head Coach, Helen Winterburn.
A consummate professional with a lifelong passion for football, Winterburn spoke with FV during Female Football Week to share her story and discuss the current state of female football in Victoria.
Although now a proud adopted Victorian, Winterburn first laced up her boots almost 17,000km away in Yorkshire, England.
“It all started when I was seven years old. One of the local clubs, Tadcaster Albion FC were setting up their first ever girls’ team and I wanted to give it a try. I never looked back from there,” Winterburn said.
As an aspiring footballer, Winterburn was playing in the boys’ team at school and was scouted by the North Yorkshire Centre of Excellence (now York City Regional Talent Club).
“I played there until I was 16, which was the cut-off age for their youth setup. From there I still wanted to stay involved, so I started as a mentee coach for younger age groups and continued to play at college, where part of their requirement was to do the Level One Coaching Certificate while playing,” she said.
Following a four-year football scholarship at Limestone University, South Carolina, the desire to coach professionally led Winterburn to Melbourne in 2018 where she joined South Melbourne FC as the Under-16’s Head Coach.
“Attaining a UEFA B Licence in the UK prior to moving to Victoria, I joined NTC as the Head Coach of the U17’s and FV Emerging as an Assistant Coach for two years under former Head Coach, Michael McBride. Through natural progression, I commenced my role as the Head Coach of FV Emerging at the start of 2021.” Winterburn said.
“The group of players within the program are very talented and I feel very fortunate to work with them. The players arrive to every session switched on, ready to go and willing to learn.
Instilling elite standards into the young group has been a key contributor to FV Emerging’s scintillating form – natural talent can only get you so far in football, so it is important for players to develop strong training and preparation habits.
“From the start of the program, the expectations are set to high standards to allow players to develop in a highly competitive environment. That is what we’re looking to achieve. This group of talented players aspire to play at the top level, to potentially one day represent the Matildas.”
“The dynamic of the playing group is great. All the players get along, but they push each other. Players know they are directly competing for places within the team and this competition will continue into the future when they transition to professional environments.”
“The players know they need to do the little things now. Not just at training or on matchday but away from the pitch. Making sure they’re prepared, getting plenty of sleep, eating the right things, resting when required and understanding all the sacrifices and one-percenters to progress in football and ultimately become professional footballers.”
“Winning is a by-product of all of this. All the players are extremely determined and driven to achieve their potential.”
On a broader scale, FV Emerging’s bright future parallels the general trajectory of female football within our state.
Participation is booming, the quality keeps rising and Melbourne was officially named as one of the host cities in the lead up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupTM.
This will undoubtedly lead to more opportunities than ever for women and girls to thrive in our game. The pathways are continually growing and Winterburn believes the momentum gained by hosting the World Cup will do wonders to inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees and administrators.
“Hosting the World Cup will provide football in Victoria, and the entire country a massive boost. For our young players, to see elite players and their role models up close, provides motivation for them to work hard and potentially reach that level one day. It will be a great celebration of football,” she said.