Holly Bauerle-Olsen describes herself as being surrounded by football fanatics.
Her younger brother plays in the under- 10s for Keilor Park Football Club, while her younger sister will pull on the boots for her first season of Auskick this year … and another little sister is also keen to join as soon as she’s old enough.
And 16-year-old Holly didn’t want to miss any of the action. After completing a leadership course at Keilor Downs Secondary College, Bauerle-Olsen was able to get her level one football coaching certificate.
From there she has committed to Keilor Park as one of the club’s Auskick coaches.
But what Bauerle-Olsen didn’t realise is that she’s a trendsetter in the north-west, one of only a handful of female Auskick coaches in the region.
“I was pretty shocked [to hear that]. It’s not something you hear about every day,” Bauerle-Olsen said.
“I have always looked up to other people, so if other kids are looking up to me then that’s great.”
Bauerle-Olsen’s involvement is a huge boost for Keilor Park, which is building its women’s football program from the ground up.
The club is following the successful model it used for its junior boys program, which expanded from two teams four years ago to having teams in all junior grades this season.
Club junior co-ordinator Peter McGrady said having Bauerle-Olsen on board was an exciting addition for the club.
“A lot of clubs are in a position where they can just introduce an under-15 girls side from scratch,” he said.
“We don’t have that luxury. Where we are geographically, we have airports on one side, Brimbank Park on the other side, factories on the third side and then we have the small Keilor Park community.
“Having a female Auskick coach can help us get these kids in. Then we can show them that they can grow and develop through the club … that’s something we’re really excited about.”
Currently in year 11, Bauerle-Olsen wants to remain at Keilor Park while she completes her VCE and goes onto university.
She plans on doing a teaching course in physical education.
Bauerle-Olsen’s exploits as a coach are also drawing praise from a higher level. The region’s AFL development manager, Chris Johnson, has commended her for her eagerness to be involved in women’s football, and Keilor Park for its commitment to the junior game.
“It’s great for a young female still in school to be prepared to give up her time to help the young females around that area to play sport,” Johnson said.
