By Phil Skeggs

The Ivies will have their own honour board mounted in the Ivanhoe Park clubrooms later this month. The board, to be named after Ivies foundation coach Bill Emerson, will be unveiled at a club function on Saturday May 15. Emerson coached the Ivies to finals in their first two seasons, making the Division 1 grand final in 2018.

Since their establishment in 2017, the Ivies have become the pride of Ivanhoe Park, with the club now fielding two women’s teams in the VAFA’s Premier C division. Mirroring the growing popularity of women’s football at AFL and VFL level, the club has seen a huge influx of talented young players who developed through Ivanhoe Junior Football Club. Several of the original Ivies are also into their fourth seasons with 40-plus games to their credit, providing inspirational leadership to their younger teammates.

The Ivies are astutely coached by two of our finest – Leighton Pearce and Ian Callahan. Pearce, a life member, was previously an assistant coach alongside Emerson, who took Ivanhoe’s under 19s to a premiership in 2014 and a reserves flag in 2015. Callahan’s partner Kath and daughters Sophie and Talya are also playing for the Ivies – probably a first in VAFA women’s footy – and underscores the club’s family orientation.

The Ivanhoe AFC committee is pleased to invite parents and partners of all Ivies – past and present – to join us in the clubrooms to mark this latest proud milestone in women’s football from 1.30pm onwards. A light lunch will be provided for the cost of a gold coin. North Brunswick players are also most welcome to join us.

The function will be preceded by two matches against North Brunswick. The Ivies reserves (white) match kicks off at Ivanhoe Park at 9.40am. The Ivies seniors (black) game begins at 11.40am.