KICK off for Maitland Football Club's inaugural women's premier league squad is just around the corner.
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The squad will be competing in the Herald Women's National Premier League (WPL) team after transitioning across from Thornton FC's WPL teams.
Former Newcastle Jets' W-League assistant coach, Keelan Hamilton, has taken the reins of the squad.
He said the new program would make a strong addition for players from the Hunter Valley.
"It's the first time for Maitland Football Club to have a women's program in the women's premier league," Hamilton said.
"Thornton have been the license holder in the women's league for a number of years and they've done a really good job of building a nice foundation.
"It's really exciting. The players are looking forward to Sunday and getting round one under way."
The Magpies will have teams in all WPL grades from under-11s to first grade.
Hamilton added it would be a tough first game with the Magpies set to battle tipped premiers Broadmeadow Magic.
"It's going to be tough but we are feeling confident," he said.
"Thornton have had some really tough years and haven't won many games. For us, we are building from that so it's going to be a process but we've had a great pre-season.
"We have enough quality in the squad to be competitive in the competition. Training has been good and the players have been really coachable, and their commitment has been super so far.
"We are really happy with our progress."
Maitland FC president Ray Watkins said he was excited for the club to be involved in women's football.
"Women's football is the biggest growth team sport in the Hunter region and probably Australia," Mr Watkins said.
Maitland FC is set to take on Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.
The Northern NSW National Premier Leagues men's competition also gets underway this weekend, with the Magpies taking on Edgeworth away at 5pm Saturday, and the Weston Bears playing Lambton at home on Sunday at 4.30pm.
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