FOOTBALL
For the first time in its history, the Traralgon & District Junior Football League has introduced an under 10 girls competition and few are more excited than the troop from Combined Saints Junior Football Club.
The landmark competition kicked off on Mother’s Day but the girls at Combined Saints drew the bye in round one and laced up for the first time against Southside at the weekend.
Combined Saints secretary Linda Williams labelled the inaugural under 10 competition a huge step forward for women and girls in sport.
“Our girls have been so eager and enthusiastic to be a part of what will become a historic event,” Williams said.
“They were chomping at the bit and so excited to be able to get out there … this opportunity has provided the girls who come and watch their brothers play football on a Sunday to be actively involved in sport rather than watching from the sidelines.
“To finally play their first match for the season was an honour and privilege that they will remember and talk about for the rest of their lives.”
Games are played under modified rules with nine players per side taking to a sectioned rectangular field wearing bibs which determine their starting position.
“The idea is to get them involved with the game and get the skill base rather than just straight into footy,” Williams said.
“It’s really just a step forward … you look at what’s happening with women’s sport and it’s a great time for the girls to be starting their own competition.
“They’ve got these role models now and there’s a future but years ago there was no women’s AFL or women’s Big Bash, so it gives them something to look forward to.”
