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.
First up is the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, who are aiming to field under-12, under-15 and under-18 teams in 2017.
Girls Football coordinator Sam Leigh said everyone at the Eagles was bursting with excitement at having girls’ teams for the first time.
“The response from our families and the community has been fantastic and we can't wait for our girls to get out on the field and have some fun,” she said.
Leigh said the introduction of the AFL Women’s competition and the growth of women’s and girls football meant the decision to start fielding girls teams was easy.
“I think our great Aussie game is about to change forever and for the better,” she said.
“The inaugural AFL Women's teams have very clearly been instrumental in inspiring young girls and has also made it completely acceptable for girl's to play footy.
“It seemed like a natural progression that girl's should also have the opportunity to play girls-only footy at their local club.
“Our girls are a breath of fresh air to our club and we are putting them front and centre in 2017.”
Leigh said the community had thrown its support behind the new girls teams, with players and their families showing great commitment.
Pre-season training starts on November 14, with the girls training on Monday and Wednesday evenings for the rest of the year.
No coaches have been appointed as yet, but Jasmine Garner, a former club junior who was drafted to Collingwood and Steph Webb a St Kilda Sharks star, will be running pre-season sessions. Eagles stalwart Simon Kingswell will be assisting.
On November 27 the club will also be hosting a ‘Girls’ Just Wanna Have Footy’ at Yarraville Oval between 10am and 12pm.
Jasmine Garner, Steph Webb as well as Collingwood star Moana Hope, Melbourne player Cat Phillips and senior Yarraville Seddon Eagles players will be in attendance.
“Everyone is welcome to come down and see what our club has to offer our 2017 inaugural girls teams and enjoy a free sausage and coffee,” Leigh said.
“10% discount on fees if registering on the day, with registered girls being sized for their YSE inaugural girls' teams training singlets, which are complimentary.
“All our girls will also get to keep their footy jumpers at the end of the season, as a memento of being part of our inaugural teams.”
If anyone is interested in joining the club or would like some more information, please contact Sam Leigh on 0412 646 828 or email ysegirlsfooty@gmail.com
Last Modified on 02/11/2016 13:02