Round 1 of the Groote Eylandt Football League is set to get underway this weekend Sunday 3rd July in Angurugu.
After an extensive build up, the formation of five new teams and a pre-season cup, the Groote Eylandt Football League will now get underway with Round 1 beginning this Sunday 5th July.
Building on the success of the project launch in April, five teams from the communities on Groote Eylandt have been formed. The Umbakumba Lions, Umbakumba Roos, Angurugu Tigers, Angurugu Crocs and the Alyangula Swans have all been formed with coaching staff in readiness for Round 1 this weekend.
“AFL NT Game Development staff from Darwin will visit Groote Eylandt to run accredited coaching and umpiring courses,” said Regional Development Manager for Groote Eylandt Robert Clements.
The teams have already participated in NAB Cup style preseason competition at the weekend, with the Angurugu Tigers defeating the Alyangula Swans 10.11 – 71 to 9.11 – 65.
The re-introduction of Aussie Rules has brought a wave of excitement back into the three main communities on Groote Eylandt. The raw talent which has been laying dormant for the past eight years has re emerged with such vigour and excitement.
“The teams have been training together for sometime now and after the pre-season cup, you can see the progression of their skills and development,” added Clements.
Members of the communities who would not participate in much sport are now taking to the football field.
“Key community members along with respected elders are commenting on the positive effects which are happening through the regular participation in football on Groote Eylandt,” added Clements.
Round 1 of 10 will begin this Sunday 5 July at Angurugu. The Lions and Crocs will play the first game kicking off at 2.00pm and the Tigers and the Roos will then follow in the second game to begin at 4.00pm with the Swans having the Bye for round one.
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For more information contact:
Robert Clements – Regional Development Manager Groote Eylandt: 0422 158 146