The Inverell Saints are looking for some women to establish an open women’s side and join an already enthusiastic group of players.
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Jacque Pay is organising the side, and said the league is eager to get the women a competitive place of their own in the sport. Her husband Daren Pay has put his hand up as coach.
“This year they’re trying to get a full-on competition going, so Inverell will a full team, and we’re the fourth team,” she said. “Fourteen girls have committed so far; they’re coming on board.”
Women from age 15 are encouraged to come along to training session on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm at Cameron Oval to have a look and questioned answers about the sport. L
ast year, the Saints sponsored an exhibition match, drawing a lot of interest.
“To play with the Inverell Saints’ ladies’ team in the exhibition matches last year was an amazing experience,” regional AFL development officer and program leader Sonia said.
They had never seen anything like women’s footy before and they loved it.
- Sonia Martin
“We had so much support and such a great group of women. When that siren sounded and the ball bounced, the adrenaline rush was incredible.”
She said the crowd reaction was loud and enthusiastic. “They had never seen anything like women’s footy before and they loved it. The junior team cheered us on and the senior guys and coaches helped us each step of the way.
She said AFL was new to just about all of the players, “so we were flat out learning the skills, kicking, handballing and tackling,” she explained.
“The team is a great mix of ages, abilities, fitness levels and now experience as it gave a few of the younger girls the opportunity to go on and play a lot of footy.
“Mostly it was a lot of fun, and a good team environment.”
Jacque said teams have already formed in Tamworth, Armidale and Moree for the women’s AFL competition. For more information about the phone Jacque on 0488 421 327.