Junior Aussie Rules footy returns to Katherine this week, in what is an exciting opportunity for children in the area, and a positive step forward for community football. Programs for kids aged eight to 14 years old will be a weekly fixture on the Katherine calendar through to the Easter holidays, while Auskick for kids aged five to 12 will re-commence in Term 3.
Julie Hunter, AFLNT’s Regional Development Manager for Katherine, said the programs would play a vital role in developing stronger pathways in the region and engaging young people.
“The role of Australian football in the region extends beyond just developing talented players; it is about developing people and improving wellbeing. Junior programs provide a positive environment for young people to interact with.
“As a platform to develop players, umpires and coaches, all participants can benefit from experiencing the community support around them. It is a great space for volunteers to give our young people a variety of role models to learn from.
“We’re proud to have the support of local businesses, Territory Roadmarking and Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation, who share this sentiment, and highlight the importance of football to the local community,” she said.
Territory Roadmarking, a family, owned NT company based in Katherine, are the proud sponsor of the ‘Territory Roadmarking 11s’. The business stated;
“We have the privilege of sponsoring the Katherine AFL Youth Program, a program designed to bring young people together to develop and strengthen community aspirations, a philosophy which we strongly believe in as part of our community support and participation in the rural and remote regions in which we operate”.
Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation (BCAC), the sponsor of the ‘BCAC 14s’, are equally passionate;
“We want our young people to have positive activities they can be part of, so engaging our young people in sport, and particularly in AFL here, can really help benefit our community. We hope that our support of the AFL 14 and under program can help achieve that’.
Local clubs and umpires will assist in the delivery of weekly matches in a joint commitment to grow junior football in the Katherine area but will rely on small acts of support from parents and the wider community to optimise the experience.
Register online at play.afl
$100 Sport Voucher accepted
Contact: Julie.Hunter@afl.com.au
0410 102 677
Territory Roadmarking 11s Program:
Ages 8-11 / Grades 4-6
Mixed boys and girls, potential to split
Saturdays 8.30am, begins 23 February
Nitmiluk Oval (Showgrounds)
BCAC 14s Program:
Age 12-14 / Grades 6-9
Separate boys and girls games
Mondays 3.30pm, begins 25 February
Katherine High School