Bats on the field

The Flying Bats have been established for over 20 years. A group of women was sitting outside one night wondering what they could call the soccer club they were about to form. As they were wondering, a group of bats flew over and so the name was coined.

This winter the Bats expect to field five teams across five divisions in their chosen league, the North West Sydney Women’s Soccer Association. Having the wide range of competition provided by the league means the Bats can accommodate a variety of skills and abilities. There is plenty of competition from other teams in the association but the Bats usually make podium finishes in the divisions they contest.

It is a very well run club. Belonging to an association means the rules and regulations are well sorted and have to be obeyed but the essence of women’s soccer is fun. Sure, it helps with fitness and there are some off-field pursuits as well but one look at the teams assembling for a match is enough to confirm the fun factor. Winter matches are strenuous, played on a full-size pitch for the regulation 90 minutes, and while every team playing is well turned out there is something special about the look of a Bats team. That’s it, they’re wearing rainbow socks.

Flying Bats play separate winter and summer seasons and will be taking applications from players for the winter season from mid-February to mid-March. The playing season is April to August but grading takes place during pre-season training. Training starts soon and it is important to turn up and show what you are made of.

Registration fees are reasonable and cover things like insurance, association and referee fees, pitch hire, equipment costs and Flying Bats membership. Once graded, new players replace vacancies in teams but there is no guarantee about the places available -“ first come, first served. In a team, players are expected to participate every Sunday during the season.

The Bats’ success comes from having their feet firmly on the ground. In winter the ground is at Five Dock for 6:30pm evening training sessions and on Sundays it’s at Gladesville with varied starting times for the matches.

And extra curricular activities? Being sponsored by the Hampshire Hotel in Camperdown should tell you something: apparently there were some very late nights during the World Cup. Bats will have a presence in the Sports Village at Fair Day conducting a demonstration match at 1:30pm -“ will they be challenged in the tug of war? Bats have been known to play lawn bowls, participate in beach soccer and watch out for them in this year’s Mardi Gras parade.

If you’re female, a bit sporty and looking for a fun group, the Flying Bats will do it for you. Go, kick some goals!

To find out more call 0403 964 112, visit the website www.theflyingbats.com, where you can sign up to the mailing list, or send an email to [email protected].