Banyule City SC may only be five years into their female football journey, however, following four successive promotions; the Bulls are primed for their biggest challenge yet!
After claiming the State League 3 East by a convincing 14 points in 2022, Banyule City claimed the State League 1 South-East this year, only losing two matches for the season.
Club president, Nasr Said claimed the Bulls are “coming” and his aspirations won’t stop at the VPLW.
"I want to go up to the NPLW, I want my women’s team to be in the highest league and be the best, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“We are very excited, VPLW will be a challenge 100%, but to everyone who was laughing at us when we were in State League 4, be aware because we are soon to be a powerhouse in Victorian women’s football, I assure you.”
With Banyule City without a women’s side upon arrival at the Club, Said made it a priority to put together a team and be competitive straight away.
“My first year as President I got a team together and went from State League 4 to VPLW next year, we have been promoted every year,” he said.
"We signed Daniela Gudelj and Claudia Fruscalzo who are two quality players that used to be at FC Bulleen, they became key players, and they took us all the way they won the best and fairest and Golden Boot two years in a row together.”
As the Bulls embark on their latest challenge, they have been boosted by several key signings including former FC Bulleen full-back Katie Beck and Essendon Royals Captain Rachel Alonso.
Beck, a former Catawba College graduate said she joined the Bulls because of their positive team culture, which was important for her being away from home.
“They have done really well in the past couple of seasons so that was also an advantage,” she added.
“It is really exciting knowing the coach wants you I really think that helps going into the season as well. It gives me extra motivation to perform during the season.”
The defender claimed having a season of NPLW under her belt has helped her adjust to the Australian style of play and will be ready to fire in 2024.
“Australian soccer is different to American soccer I always try to put my finger on it, but I can never quite figure out what it is, it is such a different style of play,” she explained.
“It was a learning experience last season so now I understand the way Australian leagues work and play I think it will be a good thing to bring to the league next season.
“I think we will be more of a possession side, but I can hit a pretty good long ball and I am good in the air as well, I look forward to the new challenge.”
Said, who acts as Club President and Women’s Head Coach confirmed Beck would be their marquee international signing for next season, while also acquiring the services of Zoe Austin (Boroondara) and Enza Tasevski who comes the Bulls with A-League experience with Melbourne Victory.
“You build a good culture and then players will want to come down, it doesn’t matter if you have a good men’s or women’s team, if you don’t have a good culture, you are not going to perform,” Said explained.
“The closer you are with people, the better the outcome is, it is more about building the culture because when they are out in the park, they all play for each other.
“Everyone is going to have to work for their spots, although the girls we have brought are professionals and know the work they will need to put in.”
On the back of a stretch of success, the Bulls are aiming to once again win the league but know it will be tougher competition come 2024.
“We just want to be known as a team that has a good culture, but obviously being very humble,” Said concluded.
“We know it’s great to get results and win games and we are going to aim to be promoted once again, however, we want to be a Club people go to for the culture over the results.”