MORE than 3000 people are expected to come and celebrate Mothers’ Day and a football double-header on Sunday May 12 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
It’s the second year of the Bass Coast Shire Council’s partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club and gender equality and both the VFLW and VFL men’s teams will get equal billing on the day.
The VFLW match featuring Hawthorn affiliate the Box Hill Hawks versus St. Kilda affiliate the Southern Saints starts at 11.30am, featuring local players including Tamara Luke and Grace Matser.
In the VFL match, second on the ladder Box Hill Hawks will play St. Kilda affiliate the Sandringham Zebras starting at 2.05pm.
Entry is free and gates open at 10.30. For the kids, there will be inflatables and a half time Auskick game. The kids are welcome to join in on the day even if they are not part of a local club.
The Wonthaggi Power Canteen will be open for refreshments.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve said the event would inspire and encourage girls and boys to pursue excellence in sports right here in Bass Coast showcasing equal participation in footy.
“Bass Coast is committed to gender equality, inclusion and diversity,” Cr Le Serve said.
“We recognise the importance of equal opportunities for all and strives to create a level playing field where individuals can engage in sports and active recreation.
“Additionally, we are proud to have introduced our Draft Fair Access Policy and Draft Action Plan aimed at identifying and overcoming barriers associated with accessing and using our community sports facilities.
“Through our partnership with Hawthorn Football Club, we are also offering training opportunities around coaching women and girls and football specific coaching clinics for girls.”
Last year’s historic first games brought in a crowd of over 3000 people and were also the first games for competition points at this level ever played in Bass Coast.
The AFL’s Executive General Manager Football Laura Kane is visiting Wonthaggi for the double header. Laura will be involved in the Welcome to Country prior to the VFLW match and will speak at a luncheon on the day.
Box Hill Hawks General Manager, Pat Clancey said: “It’s great to get back down to Wonthaggi to continue to support participation growth at grass roots level in Bass Coast and the wider Gippsland region.”
“Both games will feature AFL and AFLW players, alongside strong VFL and VFLW talent, where fans can get up close to the action. There will be plenty of opportunity for kids to meet the players for photographs and signatures so bring your footy cards along.
“At the Hawks, we have a strong commitment to Community so being able to take these games for premiership points down to one of our heartland regions in particularly important to us. We hope to see some big crowds there on the day, no matter which team you support.”
Program of Events:
* VFLW: Box Hill Hawks vs Southern Saints 11:30am
* Kids Mini-Match - VFLW Half time
* VFL: Box Hill Hawks vs Sandringham Zebras 2.05 pm
* Kids Mini-Match - VFL Half time.
