Sarah Oliver
Bacchus Marsh has welcomed a new coach for its women’s football team for next season.
Ben Tait will begin coaching as pre-season returns this week ahead of next year’s Ballarat Football League season, which Tait said he’s really excited about.
“I’ve coached before, but never women’s, so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
Tait is no stranger to the Cobras or the women’s side.
He started his football career playing for the Cobras in their under-15s’ team to progressed through to the reserves, then moved onto SMW Rovers from 2017-19.
But he returned to the Cobras in 2020 and offered to help out with the women’s team in an unofficial role.
“I got to know the girls really well,” he said.
“You have such an array of skill as well as experience – some girls who are 21 have been playing for five years and some who are 30 are playing for the first time.
“They’ve got a really good team culture within the group and that’s one of the hardest things [to teach]…all I have to do is build on top of that.”
Tait said the team has areas to improve on, having finished sixth on the ladder this year.
He said he is keen to help them play better football.
“I can see that they’re a team that could be very successful,” he said.
When it comes to how he plans on coaching, Tait said he prefers an individual approach, rather than a general one.
“I like getting down to each individual player and asking what would make her better,” he said.
As the team is so varied in skill level, Tait said it was important to make sure those who needed it were taught the basic skills training
“Things like basic skills for some, but then you’ve got other girls playing for 10 years.
“It’s more about evolving their game style to become better players and play football that’s a bit more successful and rewarding.”
As a team, Tait said that their understanding of the game wasn’t as strong as it could be and he’s keen to update their game style.
“I want to come in and simplify…a game style that everyone can understand and follow.
“It looks good, it works well, and everyone has fun doing it. At the end of the day, we’re there to have a bit of fun.”
After being washed out last week from the storms, Tait said he’s excited to start training on Tuesday night at Maddingley Park and encourages anyone to get in touch who is interested in playing.
“Whatever skill level, it doesn’t matter…we’ll be welcoming anyone on board. There’s a great team culture…they’re a good bunch of girls,” he said.
Details: bit.ly/3xZx94l
