In an exciting development for women’s football in the region, The SFL is proud to announce the official merger between Sorell Football Club and the South East Suns Women’s Football Club. This strategic move will see the formation of a dynamic senior women’s football team and an under-18 women’s team, both of which, subject to the finals stages of an official application for a women’s license being concluded, will compete in the SFL Community League starting in the 2025 season

The merger brings together two passionate and talented football communities, combining the South-East Suns’ strong local presence with Sorell Football Club’s established infrastructure and 142-year history. The partnership will significantly strengthen the pathway for female players in the region, providing more opportunities for women and young girls to participate in competitive football at both senior and junior levels.

Sorell Football Club Acknowledges the South-East Suns’ Legacy

Sorell Football Club wishes to publicly acknowledge the tremendous work done for women’s football over the past 10 years by the current South East Suns committee, led by Emma Bygrave, as well as by her predecessors and all the women who have made the Suns what they are today. The club’s efforts have been instrumental in growing and promoting women’s football in the region, and Sorell Football Club is proud to honour this legacy.

To commemorate the contributions of the South East Suns, Sorell Football Club will reserve a space in its clubrooms to display the Suns’ honour board and memorabilia. Additionally, the Suns’ name and logo will be featured on the back of the playing jumper as a mark of respect for those who have blazed the trail for female football in the South East.

Key Highlights of the Merger:

• Senior Women’s Team: A new senior women’s football team will be formed to compete in the Southern Football League, offering elite-level competition for female athletes.

• Under-18 Women’s Team: The merger will also include the creation of an under-18s women’s team, supporting the development of young talent and providing a pathway to senior football.
• Expanded Development Opportunities: The partnership will help foster growth within the local football community, expanding training programs, mentoring, and overall player development.
• Increased Community Engagement: The merger aims to increase visibility and participation in women’s football in the Sorell and surrounding areas, empowering local players and fans alike.

Encouraging Female Participation

Both Sorell Football Club and South East Suns encourage any female players who are interested in participating in football to attend training and be a part of the future of women’s football in the South East region. With the merger providing new opportunities and a supportive environment, players of all ages are invited to join and contribute to the growth of the game.

Sorell Football Club President, Robbie Iles, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “This merger represents a pivotal moment for women’s football in our region. We pay tribute to the South East Suns for their amazing contribution to female football in our region, for blazing a trail for female athletes to play our great game. We also acknowledge the tireless work by the Suns committees past and present and thank them for their outstanding contribution.

By joining forces with the South East Suns, we are not only strengthening our club, but we are also helping to pave the way for the next generation of female footballers. We are excited about the future and the opportunities this partnership will create for all players involved.”

South East Suns Women’s Football Club President, Emma Bygrave, “The South East Suns have made the extremely difficult decision of rescinding their senior women’s licence in the SFL to allow a licence to become available for Sorell FC. This decision has not been made lightly and has taken significant consideration for all aspects of our club and football in the local area. We are extremely proud of the contribution and impact our club has had on women’s football in the southeast region. We’ve achieved some incredible milestones and have given so many women and girls a chance to play

football that they may not have otherwise had.

We believe that creating clear pathways and extended opportunities are extremely important for women’s football in the region and hope that this is achievable over time. We have been working with Sorell FC and are looking forward to seeing our club honoured on their jumpers, in their clubrooms and through heritage rounds in the future. We want to thank all of our sponsors, players, supporters and volunteers past and present for all of their support and wish all future senior players in the region all the best”

SFL President, David O’Byrne, “The SFL has always worked hard to ensure that any person in the south of the state has an ability to get involved and be a part of sustainable, strong and successful community football clubs.  The SFL was very happy to sit down with both clubs and look at ways we could strengthen the pathways and culture and viability of women’s football in the Sorell community.

“Both the South East Suns and Sorell are proud football clubs with much to celebrate of their proud history, the Sorell football club for many years and the South East Suns in their pioneering efforts in establishing women’s football in the region, the merger now creates the chance to build something that is even greater than the sum of the parts.

“We thank both the South East Suns and Sorell for their maturity and respectful approach to discussions on the merger.  We look forward to working with the Sorell FC on the final stages of their application to field under 18 and senior women’s teams”

Further, both the Sorell Football Club and the South East Suns  would like to thank the Southern Football League for their support in facilitating this merger and for their ongoing commitment to the growth of women’s football in the region. Special thanks are also extended to Emma Bygrave and the South East Suns executive committee for their ongoing dedication, support, and enthusiasm in what is a difficult time for the Suns but an exciting time for women’s football in our region.

The combined team will begin preparations for the 2025 season with pre-season training already underway. Both clubs are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players, coaches, and supporters.

Media Contacts:

David O’Byrne

President – Southern Football League

Phone: 0417374865

Emma Bygrave

President – South East Suns FC 

Phone: 0448810441

Robbie Iles

President – Sorell Football Club

Phone: 0428032602

Email: robbie@rosnybakery.com.au