The Cooma Cats Australian Rules Football Club is primed for another year of improvement on and off the field as preparations for the 2013 AFL season get into full swing.
Cooma Cats club president Stuart Wood said 2013 was shaping up to be one of the best for the Cats after a strong period of growth and consolidation over the past five years.
"We are very excited about our prospects both on and off the field this season," Mr Wood said.
The Cooma Cats currently field a senior team in the AFL Canberra Division Three competition and an Under 14 side in the AFL Canberra Junior league.
Over the past five years, the Cats have demonstrated continual improvement ion both competitions. The senior side is now entrenched in the top half of their competition while the Under 14 side, the Snowy Supercats, continues to enhance its reputation as a competitive side which is hard to beat at home.
"In the space of five years, the senior side has gone from perpetual 'easy-beats' to a team which has been on the verge of playing finals football in one of the toughest football competitions in the region," Mr Wood said.
"And this year will be no exception with 13 teams from Goulburn, Cootamundra, Yass, Canberra, Bateman's Bay and Cooma fighting for a spot in the finals. It won't be easy but we'll be enjoying the challenge.
"And as for our Under 14 side, its a tough ask taking on the well-resourced Canberra clubs, but it is a task our juniors relish and their enthusiasm has won them a great deal of respect," he said.
The Cats - both seniors and juniors - started training in late January. Training is held at Snowy Oval on Tuesdays (6:30pm) and Thursdays (7pm).
"We welcome anyone, regardless of skill, age or gender, to come on down and join in the training and see what the Cats are all about," Mr Wood said.
"There is room for everyone to get involved with AFL football here in Cooma and the surrounding region and all we ask is that people come down, get involved and give it a try.
"We aim to provide members a club which is community bnased, professionally run and has a strong family focus," he said,
Apart from players for the senior and junior teams, the Cooma Cats is keen to welcome volunteers such as first aid attendants, trainers, coaches, game-day ground staff, and umpires.
"Through AFL Canberra, we offer the opportunity for all our volunteers to be appropriately trained and accredited in their specific are of interest," Mr Wood said.
"For us at the Cooma Cats, the club is not just the players, but its is the volunteers, the mums and dads, the sponsors and the supporters," he said.
The first big event for the Cooma Cats will be the Cooma Cats Cup and Gala Day to be held at Snowy Oval on Saturday, 23 March.
There will also be a number of registration days held in the coming months.
Anyone interested in finding our more about being involved with the Cooma Cats in 2013 can call Stu on 0422496400 or visit the club website at: www.coomacats.sportingpulse.net
Last Modified on 14/01/2015 20:31