By Travis Parnaby
The thrill of running out with North Ballarat’s women’s team before a big Roosters home crowd sends a shiver up Emma Kent’s spine.
North Ballarat’s Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) side will play the Braybrook Bombers in a curtain-raiser to the Roosters and Tasmania VFL game this Saturday.
The curtain-raiser is part of Community Football Weekend that is apart of Australian Football’s 150 Years celebration. And no football sector in recent years has boomed as much as female football.
“All the girls are very excited, we can’t wait,” Kent said.
“It’s the first time we have played on AUSTAR Arena before the Roosters. It’s a great opportunity to lift the profile of women’s football, particularly in the country.”
North Ballarat was established four years ago and play in the North West metro Melbourne competition of the Victorian Women’s Football League.
Last season, Kent said the side struggled for numbers but this year’s outlook has been much brighter.
“We have a really good mix of keen, young girls and a few seasoned players,” she said.
“All the girls love it. We are there to have a bit of fun.”
Kent said she first kicked her footy with her brother in the backyard before joining her local club and school sides.
“I played with the boys at Ballan and played through secondary school. It was there our coach suggested we form a VWFL team,” Kent said.
“There are not many female teams in the country so this is an opportunity to lift profile of women’s football.”
North Ballarat Roosters CEO Mark Patterson said this game allowed the club to bring another aspect of football to the forefront.
"Women's football in Ballarat hasn't been given a very high profile in the past but given that women represent 50% of our population it is important that our club provides opportunities for them to gain the exposure they deserve and need to continue to be successful,” Patterson said.
"North Ballarat Football Club is proud that it is represented across the whole spectrum of football, from Auskick, through to our Juniors, our women's team in the VWFL, North City in the local Ballarat Football League, the Rebels in the TAC Cup competition and the Selkirk Roosters in the VFL.”
The Roosters are also backing the local breast cancer support group - Breastcancer in City/Country – on the day and will be provide free hand and shoulder massages for the ladies from 1 to 3pm.
VWFL President Debbie Lee was pleased that the North Ballarat Football Club and the VFL had backed women’s football.
"The VWFL is keen to provide further opportunities to showcase and promote women’s football,” Lee said.
“This is a great initiative, which we hope will continue.
“The clash on Saturday will also help celebrate 150 years of Australian Football and it is fantastic that women playing the game have also been represented.”
For more information on the Victorian Women's Football League go to: www.vwfl.org.au
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 12:41