http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/girls-footy-kicking-off/1887761/
MACKAY female footy fans aren't going to be watching from the sidelines anymore.
In a bid to get more women out on the field, AFL Mackay is calling for women from the age of 15 and up to give Aussie rules a try and join their training sessions.
They held a "come-and-try day" at the weekend and so far the interest had been positive, director Vanessa Creeley said. Their first training session was held last night.
"We'll start with training for five to six weeks to build skills and fitness levels for the girls," Creeley said.
"We don't want to scare girls off. We're going to train you and you can try your skills before we put you into a competition."
Creeley and her co-director Naomi Johnston are hoping to have a four-week competition towards the end of this season.
"Then hopefully next year we'll try and get into the draw of AFL Mackay and go from there," Creeley said. "In the next year or the year after, our aim is for each club in Mackay to have a girls' team." Creeley, a footy fan herself, said she wanted to let women get in on the action.
"It's just heartbreaking to see girls really passionate and who want to play football can only do it until they're 15. Then there's no other avenue apart from school comps," she said.
"Women's AFL is the fastest-growing sport in Australia. We don't want our region to miss out from our girls getting drafted."
She said women shouldn't have to be behind the scenes.
"Why can't we have some of the glory?"
To get involved go to Women's AFL Mackay Facebook page or phone Vanessa Creeley on 0428 520 180 or Naomi Johnston on 0422 752 373.
Last Modified on 30/05/2013 11:18