With thanks to James Poyner for the following article published in the May edition of the Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin. Read the full bulletin here
DONCASTER ROVERS Soccer Club recently held an event to celebrate the return of Women’s Football at Doncaster, and the energy in the room would suggest it is here to stay.
May 8-17 was Female Football Week, and clubs across the country held celebration events and activities. For the Rovers, it was a chance to formally introduce the 2026 Senior Women’s team to club sponsors and supporters, and present the team with their 2026 jerseys.
It’s been just over a decade since Doncaster had a Senior Women’s team, but valiant efforts by the Rovers’ passionate volunteers to develop a dedicated Junior Girl’s program, as well as efforts to re-establish the Senior Women’s team, resulted in their return to competition, playing in State League 4 in 2025.
Speaking to Football Victoria in 2025, Andrea Jamieson, Junior and Women’s Co-ordinator, spoke about the club’s return to having a Girls and Senior Women’s program. “Through our inclusive environment for Women and Girls, by season’s end, we had a squad of 23 players. “We persevered through challenges and concerns around recruitment. “Word spread that Doncaster Rovers were building something special.”
Back in 2023, the club had just seven female players across MiniRoos and Juniors. By 2025, Doncaster Rovers had grown to U8s, U11s, U15s, Senior Women, and Masters Women’s teams. “This isn’t just a team — it’s a whole-of-club culture shift,” said Ms Jamieson.
“It’s about visibility, opportunity, and creating a welcoming space for women and girls at every level of the game.”
The full article continues in the Manningham and Nillumbik Bulletin – click here
