Junior girls footy to kick off at Nyora this season

NYORA is looking forward to fielding at least one girls footy side this season under the guidance of coach Adam Tagliaferro, whose daughter Aaylah inspired the move.

She didn’t enjoy mixed footy but expressed a desire to play in a girls team after having done so at school, her dad deciding to provide that opportunity at the Saints.

The aim is to get as many girls involved as possible, with Nyora to feature in the West Gippsland Junior Football League in which it hopes to have Under 12 and Under 14 sides, with the focus on the latter at this stage.

Adam grew up playing footy at Nyora, where he also played most of his Senior games including the 2018 Premiership, and is looking forward to the Saints taking the field in junior girls footy for the first time.

The first couple of training sessions drew six or seven girls, with up to 12 already expressing interest.

“It’s 15 a side the comp we play in, and the league assured us if we need to borrow players, they’ll do whatever they can to make sure we get a side in,” the coach said.

With most of the Saints’ matches to be played on Friday nights, there is an opportunity for girls to play some extra footy, with those who are part of mixed sides elsewhere able to obtain a permit to represent Nyora as well.

Teams from Warragul, Nar Nar Goon, Drouin, Newborough and Longwarry will be part of the action.

While building the skills of his young Saints is important, Adam is keen to ensure that takes place in an enjoyable environment.

“I’m trying to make it as fun as possible, teach them the fundamentals and have a bit of a laugh,” he said, observing that the same girls attended the first couple of training sessions, suggesting they enjoyed the first.

“If anyone is interested in having a kick, just come down and see if they like it and if footy’s for them,” Adam said of the obligation-free chance to meet other players and have a go.

The coach is driven by his memories of growing up playing sport and the friendships he formed doing so, wanting to give the girls a platform to do that.

While training has so far been on Monday nights, that is subject to change after the cricket season, so keep an eye on the Nyora Football Netball Club’s Facebook page or call Adam on 0433 612 814.