The Mutual Bank is playing its part in boosting women’s football in Maitland and the Hunter, with its sponsorship of the Maitland Football Club’s inaugural Women’s National Premier League (WPL) team.
Maitland FC is entering the WPL for the first time in 2021 with Thornton FC’s WPL teams transitioning to the club. The Magpies will have teams in all WPL grades – from under 11s to first grade.
Maitland FC president Ray Watkins is excited for the club to be involved in women’s football and is looking forward to the value it will bring the club and the community.
“Women’s football is the biggest growth team sport in the Hunter region and probably Australia,” Ray said.
“We thank The Mutual Bank for supporting us to drive the development of women’s football in Maitland and the Hunter Valley,” he said.
The Mutual Bank CEO, Geoff Seccombe, said the bank has a long history of grassroots support for community organisations and sporting teams.
“We are member-owned, so as well as offering great value banking products we are about developing the communities in which our members live,” Geoff said.
“While we serve the Hunter, we are Maitland headquartered, so it is great to be supporting women’s football in Maitland,” he said.
The bank joins the Burton Automotive Group as well as existing sponsors The George Tavern and Easts as the Club’s WPL sponsors.
“The Mutual Bank will be with the players every game, with our logo on the playing shirt sleeve, and front and center on the training shirt.”
Former Newcastle Jets’ W League assistant coach, Keelan Hamilton, will be the team’s coach and is WPL technical director for the Club. Its first game will be on March 28 against Broadmeadow Magic at home at Cooks Square Park.
“I encourage Maitland community members to join The Mutual Bank team in getting down to the first home game to support our new local women’s football team,” Geoff said.
Maitland FC joins NPL NNSW clubs Newcastle Olympic FC, Charlestown Azzuri FC, and Broadmeadow Magic FC in recognising the importance of having the women’s game in their stable. The Magpies have been successful since joining the Northern NSW NPL six years ago – winning the 2019 premiership.
The women’s team will have access to facilities and resources enjoyed by the men’s team and will train and play at Cooks Square Park.
Member-owned The Mutual Bank has been serving Hunter people since 1888. It has branches in East Maitland, Edgeworth, Dungog, Maitland, Mayfield, Rutherford, and Raymond Terrace. For more information about The Mutual Bank’s products, contact our Member Services Team on 1300 688 825 or visit themutual.com.au
