Rosellas keen on under 14s team

MEMBERS of the Lethbridge Junior Football Club are looking to fill their teams with a come and try day next weekend.

The Rosellas have four teams to build in preparation of the new season in April, and club president Michael Smith said the come and try day will offer a fun introduction to the sport.

“It’ll be basic football skills with handballing, kicking, general running and fitness. It’s more to get the kids seeing what footy’s about and building the interest again,” he said.

“Last year I ended up with 60 kids turning up which was unbelievable. It would be amazing to see that again.”

With 18 players required for each team, Mr Smith said he looking for a handful of kids for the younger age groups while more than 10 players are needed to establish and under 14s squad.

He said he’s particularly keen to see the older team sheet full.

“We currently run Auskick right through to 12s as we have previously, and we’re wanting to really get our under 14s up and running,” he said.

“We’ve historically only been a two-to-three side club with one team in each age group. Five, six years ago, this club didn’t exist. It’s only grown and we’d hate to see it stall.

“It’d be amazing to fill under 14s. We’ve got 12 kids who played in under 12s last year and if we don’t get the team, they’ll have to look for other clubs elsewhere.

“Some of these kids have played since under 9s with just us. It’s important we keep these kids together and build it up for Lethbridge.”

The come and try session will take place from 9.30am on Sunday, 19 February at the Lethbridge Recreation Reserve.

In recent years the clubs who use the rec reserve have benefited from a range of government grants with money spent on upgrading the ovals playing surface and lighting.