Junior footy targets big turnout

Junior football is about to bounce back into action with the Southern Districts Junior Football Association registration day this Sunday.

Picture by Laurie Benson: Flynn Jackman, Bobby Gibson, Brock Anning, Coen Jackman and Jaxon Nottle are keen for the 2012 junior football season to start

The registration day will be held at Norman Pavilion, Centennial Oval from 9am to noon and SDJFA president Robyne Nottle is hoping for a big turnout.

Nottle said junior football numbers were very healthy last season and she hoped for much of the same come Sunday.

“The aim is to get just as many kids register as we did last season,” she said.

“Hopefully with the introduction of kids’ sport it will help families afford to register kids that normally couldn’t.”

With the introduction of a new umpiring program to help officiate under-13 and under-15 matches, Nottle was pleased the program was finally about to kick off.

“Having our new umpiring program is also exciting,” Nottle said.

“We are welcoming new and old players. Bring it on I say, I can’t wait.”

With the success of the Dockers Cup for primary school-aged girls last season, Nottle also hinted at the possibility of more girls registering to play football.

“We had about six girls play last year but it would be nice to see more girls involved,” she said.

“Girls footy is getting quite big and with the new senior girls competition we should se more girls taking on footy.”

The SDJFA season will kick off after the second term holidays but Nottle said the focus was to retain their umpires and coaches.

“Accrediting as many coaches as we can is a big goal along with umpiring,” she said.