The Woodstock Panthers have returned to action in the Mid West Community Cup, with both their men’s and women’s teams for the first time taking to the field across September and October.
The competition marks a significant moment for the club, which is proudly fielding a women’s team for the first time in its history.
Round one was played on Saturday, September 20 at Carcoar Sportsground, where the Panthers faced off against Rockley.
The women’s match kicked off at 11am, followed by the men’s at 1pm.
The Panthers will now prepare for their home game in round two on Saturday, September 27, when they host Carcoar.
Latest Stories
The women’s team will take the field at 11am, with the men’s match kicking off at 2.15pm.
Round three will be played on Saturday, October 11, when the Panthers meet CSU in Bathurst.
The women’s game begins at 12pm, followed by the men’s at 2.15pm.
Club Secretary Katie Green said the build-up to the tournament has been filled with both nerves and excitement.
“The team is feeling nervous and excited ahead of the competition,” she said.
Training began in early August, with preparations including arranging new jerseys, though supply delays mean the players will start the competition without them.
“We’ve been training since the first of August,” Green said.
“Just preparation for jerseys, which are still sitting in Sydney, so unfortunately we didn’t get to play in our jerseys.”
This year marks the first time Woodstock has fielded a women’s side, something that has given the community based club an extra boost.
“It’s the first ever women’s league team,” Green said.
“It’s not really a big club, it’s more just community-based but we come together at the end of the year, ex-players, former players, and just have four games of football.”
“The girls have given the boys a bit of a ramp-up.”
While still small in numbers, the Panthers’ expansion is already being felt across the club and the wider community, with excitement building ahead of their first home game.
Green urged locals to get behind the Panthers as they continue their campaign in the Cup.
“Everyone is excited, this is their second year, first year for the girls.”
“It would be great if everyone gets out there to watch us play our home game this weekend,” she said.
The Panthers are led by men’s coach Josh Rainbow and women’s coach Cole Hewitt, both of whom have been working hard with their squads to prepare for the weeks ahead.
With new opportunities, strong community spirit, and both men’s and women’s teams in action, the Woodstock Panthers are ready to make their mark on this year’s Mid West Community Cup.
