Girl power at Johnny Warren Cup

JOEL RITCHIE

THIS WEEKEND’S Johnny Warren Memorial Cup at Jamberoo will be a matter of survival for Hayleigh Beringer.

Hayleigh, 21 and a collection of teammates from the Illawarra Stingrays will form the first women’s team to contest the seven-a-side tournament.

The team has been allowed to carry the Illawarra Stingrays moniker.

Her father, Larry Beringer, is a regular competitor in the event, which this year will be held on Friday night and Saturday morning at Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo.

“I have always talked it up and they have never let me play before,” Hayleigh said.

“If we have to play dad’s team that will be about survival, not winning.”

Hayleigh’s team secured entry to the 32-team tournament after a late withdrawal.

The team, which will be known as the Illawarra Stingrays, will not be subject to the over-35s rule applied to men’s teams.

“It will be exciting and different; hopefully we’ll be able to start a competition for women,” Hayleigh said.

“Once people see we’re playing against the men they may want to do the same.”

Hayleigh said her team would like to win “a couple of games” at the tournament, which kicks off 8.30pm on Friday night.

This year’s tournament, the 11th, is played over the same format as the FIFA World Cup – the winning team will win a replica of the World Cup trophy.

Friday’s games will go from 8.30am to midnight before the teams return on Saturday at 8am with the knock out stages going til 4pm.

1974 Socceroos Ernie Campbell, a teammate of the late Johnny Warren, will play in the tournament, as will Wollongong FC CEO Jock Morlando.

Organiser Jamie Warren said $100 from each team’s nomination fee would go to the Johnny Warren Football Foundation.

Champions Georges River will defend their title at this year’s tournament, while local teams Kiama, Jamberoo and Port Pumas will also field sides.

The inclusion of an all-women’s team was a great way to promote football. “I had a team drop out and I thought having an all-women’s team would give the game great exposure,” Jamie said.