Boroondara Eagles have made public their disappointment at being overlooked for the inaugural PS4 Women’s National Premier League season, commencing in 2016.
The announcement from Football Federation Victoria last week saw eight teams selected, with only three in their current structure from the WPL.
READ MORE > WNPL: Your first look
Club technical director Manny Koutroulis said the club was awaiting feedback before making its next move, including regarding mediation or a legal challenge.
“The club hasn’t accepted the decision,” Koutroulis said.
“The board and president have expressed major disappointment to the announcement of not being in the WNPL.
“[We have] been winning the Team App Cup, winning the minor Premiership, over 200 junior girls playing club soccer at Boroondara Eagles, a focus on equality, a proven record at being a great home for junior girls and women, and a proven record in empowering young women into becoming coaches over a number of years, with a strong financial commitment going forward to develop female coaches through the licenses.
“With all that in mind, the club is majorly disappointed to not be in the WNPL, and at this stage is waiting feedback regarding its bid and are assessing its options going forward.”
Koutroulis also lamented the timing of the decision on the eve of the WPL finals, which saw South Melbourne and Bundoora United – the other finals contenders not to be granted a license – both suffer defeat in their clashes.
While Boroondara had a week off as a result of finishing first in the home and away season, Koutroulis stressed the playing group – now facing an uncertain future – were encouraged to solely focus on the upcoming fixture against Ashburton United on Sunday.
“Here and now we have a finals series, my role is to support [coach] Shaun Ontong and the players to complete the treble, while the off-field matters will be dealt with by the board,” he said.
“It certainly wasn’t ideal, from the point of view that both clubs [Bundoora and South Melbourne] were just as shocked as we were in the middle of last week, and without a doubt that has an effect on a number of people.
“It’s unfortunate timing, I understand the FFV wanted to make an announcement as soon as possible and give the new licensees the opportunity to prepare well from an early point, but the timing certainly has been unfortunate.
Koutroulis also said that regardless of the decision, the club would continue in its commitment towards the development and growth of the women’s game.
“The club will continue to take women’s football seriously and not be an afterthought, it will continue to be a pathway for girls.
“Our record has been second to none in terms of developing players and in terms of results. What we did in terms of achievement will be looked back as a success.
“If you look at the five years and being promoted at the first port of call each time, making the finals in its first season and winning the double in the second season, I think that five years is an incredible record.”