Sevens heaven: Leisure Networks reveals news comp

A NEW football competition is on its way to the region only a couple months after Leisure Networks announced the launch of its Inclusion League, a local all abilities AFL football fixture.

With the assistance and knowledge of local football legend and Newcomb junior co-ordinator Scott Smith, Leisure Networks program coordinator Luke Maher said the two organisations are refining a new way of coaching footy.

“It’s something Scotty and I have been talking about for years,” Maher said.

“With the support of Leisure Networks in its role as the Regional Sports Assembly for the City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Borough of Queenscliff and Surf Coast Shire, Footy 7s is now a reality for kids aged nine through to 16 who want to get involved in community footy.”

Footy 7s, a modified version of the game, played with seven players a side on a smaller field gives more children a chance to “have a go” at a team sport, creating a much more enjoyable experience, Maher added.

Support from AFL Victoria’s participation team and Leisure Networks has allowed Newcomb Power to run an All Abilities Auskick program for children aged six to 13.

Footy 7s will aim to fill the gap between this age group and the Inclusion League for players aged 16 and over.

“It gives them real skills off the field as well,” Smith said.

“It really helps them learn how to work with others and interact. Hopefully we’ll build it up and we’ll be able to get teams at all the clubs that are playing in the Inclusion League that starts next year.

“We’ve got four teams there, long term plan is that we’ll have a Footy 7s junior which will be from nine through to 13 and then we’ll have a youth, which will be 13 through to 16 then from that they can step up.

“So, it’s a full pathway all the way through from Auskick all the way through to seniors.”

Geelong Dragons player Tyler Vandermeer, has been supporting Smith mentoring the younger players.

Vandermeer has come off an incredible season of football, picked to play with the 2022 Vic Country team at the National Inclusion Carnival earlier this month.

“This is exactly the sort of thing we’re trying to achieve through our work at Leisure Networks,” Maher said.

“It’s great that Tyler is playing football at a competition level, and it’s great that he’s taking his experience back into the community to support so many young kids coming up through the game.”