By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
GIRLS footy will be front and centre in the Western Region Football League next season and over the next few weeks we will be profiling all the clubs who will be fielding teams in our standalone competition.
Today, we get to learn more about the Flemington Juniors Football Club…
Flemington Juniors president Luke Hopman believes the introduction of the AFL Women’s competition will have a positive effect on football in the west.
He says the talented players involved in the newly formed competition will inspire a new generation of girls to play footy.
Early signs suggest he is right, with the WRFL last month announcing a standalone girls competition will be introduced in 2017.
The Flemington Juniors have fielded a girls team for the past couple of seasons, offering girls in the region a clearer pathway from Auskick to juniors.
“We are lucky to be in partnership with Melbourne University Womens FC who have been one of the pioneers of female football for a long time and have a lot of experience,” Hopman said.
“We started with Auskick, where the talented Emma Kearney has been coaching the all-girl group for the past few seasons.
“Then with lead roles played by Bridget Barker from Melbourne University Women’s Football Club and former Flemington Juniors president Bil Johnston, in 2014 our first all-girls junior team was formed.
“The friendships and camaraderie the girls developed, along with their skilful determined play, has been fantastic to see.
“Having girls footy at our club has brought a new spark, as well as new players and their families that may never have become involved until the introduction of all girls’ football.”
This year, the Under-12 team was coached by Mary Edmonds and Shannon Colgan, with player numbers increasing each week.
At the beginning of the year the club had between six and eight players, but by the end of the season they had 22 girls playing for the Colts.
In 2017, the club plans on fielding, Under-12 and Under-15 teams, with coaches already appointed. Mary Edmonds and Shannon Colgan will continue with the Under-12 team, while Clark Mitchell, Lisa Morgan and Kristi Jenkins will coach the Under-15’s.
“The girls are thrilled that their coaches are returning, and that new assistants and helpers from the women’s footy community are on board,” Hopman said. “New girls are signing up every week.”
Flemington Juniors will be hosting a Come and Try day at Arden Street Oval in conjunction with Melbourne University on December 6 at 5.30pm.
Interested players are encouraged to attend.
For more information on the Flemington Juniors Football Club visit www.kfjsc.com.au or facebook.com/flemingtonjuniors or email flemingtonjuniors@gmail.com or call 0428 003 897.
Last Modified on 30/11/2016 14:47