Catherine Ferraro
THE times are changing at Kilmore Junior Football Club.
With the incorporation of a new committee and the first ever signing of a female junior player, it looks like the future at the Blues will encompass girls as well as boys.
Former Wallan youth league coach Tom Donnelly is eager to get the Kilmore female youth team of 13 to 18 year olds up and running and the interest shown from the local young ladies looks to make his job an easy one.
“We had great success at Wallan. We went through the season undefeated, but lost our grand final. It was a great effort,” he said.
“With female football a bit different, as there are 15 on the field and six on the bench, we look to almost have a side at present which is really encouraging.
“We would ideally like to field two teams if possible. This would give girls on the junior end of the age scale, a chance to compete in an under 15 competition which would be of enormous value in developing their skills.
“Having two teams would have great advantages, in allowing us to mix the teams up, foster strong role models for the younger girls and give them the chance to strive.”
Formerly run by the AFL, the female youth league is currently being administered by the Northern Football League.
Other leagues such as Dandenong District and Ballarat also run female youth teams.
Donnelly has an amazing rapport with the girls, one which is immediately evident.
“I have been coaching for about ten years and if there is one thing I know, if you want respect you need to give it, no matter who you are coaching. I run my teams on discipline and respect
and the girls really respond to that.”
Kilmore Junior Football Club President Dan Cantwell envisions the inclusion of a female youth side under the banner of the junior club as one to be of great benefit to the Blues.
“It is the kids who are mainly going to benefit, which is why we do what we do. It is 100% about fun, fitness, team spirit and keeping the kids active and occupied,” he said.
Vice president Bruno Dimasi also added the girl’s side will allow the many girls already associated with the club the chance to actually participate and not just be spectators.
At present young girls can play in the junior Riddell District Football League teams until they reach 13 years of age.
After this, they must travel to Melbourne to seek opportunities in other youth leagues or wait until they can qualify for senior women’s sides, also which require fair travel distances.
Cantwell acknowledges the first ever signing of a female junior at Kilmore as exciting for the club as this could be the pathway needed for the youth side to develop longevity and encourage girls to get involved.
Whilst not a traditional pathway for girls sport, this seems to be exactly why the girls are interested in the youth league.
Donnelly cites the ‘fitness and socialising’ that comes with footy the main attractions to the sport, but many of the girls explained how they just love the game.
“I just really love footy. I don’t play anything else and I can’t wait to get back into it,” explained Mikayla Edwards, the best and fairest in the inaugural year of youth league at Wallan.
Mikayla’s mother, Kirsty Kendrick has watched her little girl chase the oval ball since she was nine years old in under 10’s whilst living in Melbourne and has never had any qualms with her daughter playing the predominantly male sport.
She has nothing but prise for Donnelly, who she ‘blames’ for Mikayla not being heavily involved in the game last season, whilst he had a rest from coaching.
Donnelly and the Kilmore junior committee look a very professionally run outfit that is geared to giving the girls involved every opportunity to excel in football.
Until a common home and away season is arranged for the league - whilst still to be decided, it is believed most games this season will be played in Bundoora – financial assistance is crucial to ensure the very existence of the team.
Local businesses are encouraged to get on board and support a developing sport in the local area that will provide great metropolitan exposure. Interested sponsors can contact president Cantwell on 0447 322 809.
Training will be on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6pm and commences on Monday February 21 at J. J. Clancy Reserve.
Registration will cost $130 per player or $210 per family, which will include club registration, insurance, affiliation fees and a team polo.
Interested players, be they past, new or beginners are urged to contact Donnelly on 0407 046 122 or attend training.
