In less than twelve months, a dream of a soccer team in Stawell will officially become a reality on Sunday.
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Players representing the Stawell Pioneers will run out onto the middle of the athletics track at North Park in their very first game.
The Pioneers will go up against Hamilton Raiders in round one of the South West Victoria Football Association.
In what feels like a very short 12 months for some, it has been a long-awaited day for those hard at work behind the scenes.
Club president Jason Oosthuizen said it is a mixture of nerves and excitement leading up to the big day.
"It's such an exciting time for the sport within the region," he said.
"From an idea we spoke about at indoor soccer to actually stepping out on the field, it really is a dream come true.
"It's a testament to the committee - working through the potholes we have encountered along the way."
Oosthuizen said funding was a "huge" issue to begin with.
"Eventually we got some steam up and kept rolling from there," he said.
"With a number of fundraising drives and barbecues we starting to build momentum.
"It has taken a lot of hard work from a number of different peopl.
"Personally, I think this will be great for the town."
With seven teams entered into the association, Oosthuizen said over the course of the season it would bring a number of visitors to the town.
"Although there are seven teams entered only five have senior teams.
"Our season runs until September, which is quite long. Over this period we are hopeful to have a number of visitors come to Stawell from the wider region while they are here to play sport."
Oosthuizen said more than 20 senior players have registered with the club.
"We've had some really good interest and I think there are a few more around which are just waiting to see how it all goes before they commit," he said.
"We have more than 13 junior players as well - which is great for the sport."
The Pioneers are coached by Chris Sirre with Matt Heffer as the assistant coach.
"Our juniors start at 1pm on Sunday," Oosthuizen said.
"We will be hosting an official ceremony at 2pm and it would be great if the community come down and supported what will be a history-making day.
"The senior game will follow on from the ceremony. All the players are looking forward to the game and finally, getting out onto the field."
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