By Sarah Bailey
In the autumn sunshine, four senior teams at Healesville Soccer Club headed onto the pitch last weekend to start their 2025 season campaign.
Following the incredible success and steely determination of 2024, all senior teams are facing a new challenge in 2025.
The men are heading into Men’s Premier League 2 (MPL2) and MPL2 Reserves and the women into Women’s Premier League and Division 1.
They have all worked incredibly hard through preseason, and with many new and returning players, it’s going to be a season to watch.
New players are always welcome.
While they played away for their first games, the club couldn’t kick off 2025 without a celebration, so next week with four home games we’re going to bring the cheer to Don Road.
Juniors are into preseason and looking ahead to another great year.
There are a few spots in the girls U8, U12 and U16 teams and the boys U14 and U16 teams.
Email info@healesvillesoccerclub.com.au
Healesville Women’s Reds 2-0 St Paul’s
Healesville’s Reds secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the season opener on Saturday, guided by guest coach Brian Winrow, the club’s Development Coach.
A mix of first-time players, under-16 girls and experienced athletes, the diverse line-up highlighted individual strengths and skills.
St Paul’s played a very physical game that put pressure on Healesville.
Their aggressive challenges sent several of the Reds to the ground.
Captain Sally Clinton’s leadership on the field kept the team focused and composed.
Healesville’s defence stood firm, with a solid back line and excellent communication.
Rhiannon Kelly’s experience and leadership shone through in defence and Jessica Phillips demonstrated her strength and reliability.
Jade Rogers, the Reds’ striker, was a constant threat.
Her speed and tenacity kept St Paul’s defence on high alert, and she opened the scoring early, lifting the team’s spirits.
Mia also impressed, breaking through the opposition’s defence for a brilliant run, only to be denied by the keeper.
However, moments later, she doubled the lead with a second goal, sending Healesville into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
St Paul’s came out aggressively in the second half, dominating the early stages.
However, Healesville remained resilient, with Evelyn constantly putting pressure on the opposition’s defence, her pace proving to be a valuable asset.
The Reds held firm to secure a 2-0 win.
The match showcased the new squad’s potential, adaptability and excellent teamwork.
It was an especially memorable day for mother-and-daughter duo Noriko and Hana, who played their first ever match together.
