Junior Magpies ready to return to The Nest

THE North Geelong Football Club has taken the first steps to restarting its junior program in almost five years.

A resurgence in interest has reignited the mission to bring junior footy back to Osborne Park and club president Jason Habib knows a full football program would provide the residents of Geelong’s northern suburbs a plethora of benefits.

“The movement to get some sort of junior program going again started a couple years ago, in a proposed partnership with the other clubs in the northern suburbs like North Shore, Corio and Bell Post Hill,” Magpies club president Jason Habib said.

“However, in the past year I have had a chat with past players, and they are looking at our club for their kids to play at.

“So, I have a couple of good ladies, Megan Watts and Sarah Bryant, who are looking to start the program up at North Geelong again with the help of myself and Andrew Bews along the way.”

Mr Habib, who is entering into his 11th year as president, said the next steps for North Geelong to resume its junior program will include forming a sub-committee to oversee development and raise awareness.

The club’s method of increasing buzz around North Geelong will be done by handing out pamphlets that will advertise a registration day for families and their children. The day is likely to take place in late-January to early-February, according to Mr Habib.

“The response to our plan to restart the juniors over the last week-and-a-half has been unbelievable,” Mr Habib said.

“The registration day will be massive for us as that’s when the kids will be able to sign on.

“We’ll be kicking off the new junior program from the lower age groups and then work our way up, so age groups like Auskick, Under 9’s, Under 10’s, Under 12’s are where we will start.”

The list of new facilities that have been opened will be another drawcard for families and their kids to sign on with North Geelong in 2022. Osborne Park will boast new clubrooms, an electronic scoreboard, and brand-new lights next season, which the cricket club is currently enjoying at this time.

To express your interest for next year’s junior Magpies program email [email protected].