As a consequence, the goalkeeper will divide her time between the field and the sideline, clipboard in hand, during the Football Mid North Coast season.

Burns’ partner Jose Ustariz was coach last season, but decided to step down.

One thing they are well-drilled in is juggling parenting, busy work schedules and sports duties.

“Jayda (their three-year-old daughter) comes to training and helps set up and Jose and I will be teaming up to balance work, family and sport,” she said.

“One of the reasons I decided to coach was that the team has a great player base.

“The form is there, the talent is there and I hope I can bring out the best in them.”

A handful of players have left the team for work or university study commitments and an equal number of new players have joined.

Burns said she was excited to welcome a talented young player to take over her traditional role of goal keeper.

“Maddie Newman will step up from the under 16s to the women’s team this year,” she said.

“She will be our number one goalie and I will coach or be on the field as needed.

“Maddie is a very impressive player.

She filled in for us in a few games last season and we’re pleased she will be a member of the team this year.”

During the pre-season, the women’s team is training at Rainbow Beach Bonny Hills, using the soft sand, hilly terrain and playground ropes to vary their fitness training.

Assisting at training is former player Renee Bignell who, along with Jose, will support the team throughout the season.

The Redbacks women have a strong playing history in the Football Mid North Coast league.

In 2016 they reached the finals and in 2015 they were grand final winners. 

“We perform well as a team,” Burns said.

“We don’t have any standout players; there’s not that one person who will save the day for us.

“I know we can’t win every game, but we can win if we play well in every game and that’s what’s important.

“We will be focussing on our team play and improving our goal scoring capabilities.

“We have always had an outstanding defensive line, so we need to work on following through to the back of the goal net.”

Football Mid North Coast clubs will nominate their teams in all divisions next week.

The Redbacks have positions open in the junior ranks, men’s premier league and reserves, and are seeking a coach for men’s reserve grade.

Current Premier League coach Jim Tredinnick and players are putting the senior men through the pre-season paces at training.