HUNTER girls aged 14 and over are forced to travel to Sydney if they want to play AFL, a situation which is unacceptable, according to Nelson Bay teenager Caitlin Stuchbury. Caitlin, now 14, continues her involvement with former club Nelson Bay juniors, by training with the boy's side and umpiring, but said it was her goal to create a place where teenage girls could continue playing the sport they love. "Girls aged between 14 and about 18 have no place to play in the Hunter because they are too young to play in a women's competition and too old to play in the boys team," she said. "I would like to start a social competition that would see two to four teams to play against in the Hunter." The first step for Caitlin, who recently travelled to Perth to compete in Women's AFL National Championships, and was also named one of three NSW Women's AFL junior development players, is to organise a Youth Girls Gala Day for players aged between 11 and 19. "I've distributed emails and information to all the AFL club contacts in the Hunter as well as school newsletters and everywhere I can think of to find out how many girls are interested," she said. Caitlin said she loved AFL because it was challenging and fast-paced game. "It's great because it's fast moving and you never get bored," she said. "It makes you push your boundaries and asks you to move out of your comfort zone, you also get to get dirty and have a lot of fun." Caitlin said any girls interested in playing AFL, whether they had experience or not, could contact her at hunteryouthgirlsgala@live.com.au Source: Port Stephens Examiner - 17/06/09.
Newcastle City supports Caitlin's efforts and wish her the very best in her endeavours. Good luck Caitlin.
Last Modified on 20/07/2009 15:54