It’s hard to believe that The Tamborine Mountain Eagles almost didn’t have an U15s Girls team this year, but the dedication of first-time coach Elle Laycock made sure women’s football would thrive on Tamborine Mountain.
Thrust into the first division, Elle assembled a diverse team of talent, youth, and novices. Fourteen girls committed. The youngest aged twelve. The oldest sixteen. Several first-time footballers and a returning cohort from 2023. The season began, and the challenge was set.
They started their season with a well-fought 5-2 defeat against league leaders Mudgeeraba, a game that showed how competitive the league would be. A heavy loss to Robina reinforced the standard before the girls were awarded a 3-0 win over Coomera. The girls showed courage and conviction in two tough defeats that followed until their discipline paid off and their fortune changed.
With two months of tireless training, tinkering, and experience behind them, Elle led the girls to their first on-field victory of the season. A remarkable 8-0 victory over Coomera, and a significant example of the growth, progress, and togetherness of the team. Captain Kimberley Bent scored five first-half goals in an inspired win at home on Tamborine Mountain.
After a sobering defeat in the next fixture, the girls followed up two weeks later with a captivating 4-2 victory over Musgrave, dominating the first half as they continued to build affirmative momentum.
They continued to move upwards with a brilliant 2-1 victory over Ormeau, securing back-to-back wins for the first time. Two goals from Kimberley brought her tally to 15 goals across the season.
With their progress under Coach Elle, the girls have doubled their wins from last year while fighting to rise from the bottom of the table up towards the middle. With just over five games remaining, a few in hand, and an upward trajectory, the girls are continuing to defy expectations!
We’re incredibly proud of the girls’ growth, passion, and dedication and their remarkable achievements on & off the field.
Photographs by Chandler Milligan Story by Chandler Milligan
