By Callum Ludwig
The Healesville Junior Football Club has been the home of many talented players and been a hub of community involvement for many years.
The club is calling on potential players and parents to join the Under 14 girls’ team, with a few players and a coach needed before the season starts.
President Zach Coleman said it’s been a bit of a struggle to find players for the team.
“We had a new team start last year, the Under 12 girls team and a lot of those girls are staying down, there weren’t a lot of top age girls in that team and with the transition, the coach has stayed down as well,” he said.
“We’re trying to get the publicity out there to get more girls playing sport and more girls playing football, but we also need the parent support as well. A lot of our mums and das are involved in other teams as well and we just need that same level of commitment.”
Currently the Under 12 and Under 16 Girls’ sides at Healesville have strong numbers, while the U18s also has room for more players.
Mr Coleman said it’s exceptionally important to have a team for all girls who want to play.
“We’re committed to making sure that we’ve got an opportunity for the girls if they want to play footy, and we need the upper age groups for the transition so they’re comfortable playing the sport and they’re comfortable with the physicality of playing football,” he said.
“Then, by the time they get to the upper age groups, it’s a no-brainer for them whether they continue. We’re getting some steady commitment from the girls and it’s great, but we just need to promote it a bit more to get the success we’ve had previously.”
Last year, the Under 14 girls finished fourth, knocked out in the first round of finals due to a one-point loss to Wesburn.
Mr Coleman said it’s another great opportunity to join a great environment and socialise with their friends.
“They’re outdoors and off the couch, learning new skills and I suppose looking at different challenges within the sport itself as well. AFLW is a growing area and getting a lot of support from the AFL as well,” he said.
“Once kids get a taste for it, they generally don’t go. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the girls out there and they all need coaches, team managers, trainers, goal umpires and umpire escorts and as the old cliche says, many hands make light work.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the team can request to join the ‘HJFC 2023 Under 14 Girls’ Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/groups/948537342992628/.
