Some of Sunbury Lions littlest cubs are champing at the bit to return to the football field this season.
After having an under-12 girls team last season, the club will this year have an under-13 girls team due to the change in age groups in the Essendon District Football League where they play.
The girls started pre-season training last week, with most of last year’s core group returning.
Team manager Laura Jordan said they were looking for a few more players who were wanting to play.
“Last year we started off with low numbers, but once the word got around we had a full side by the end of the season.
“The girls had a few wins and really enjoyed playing football.”
Jordan said with the rise in the age of the division, they were looking for girls who are in grade five and six, and year seven students.
The girls will train twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. Jordan said if the girls can get to training once a week that would be fine.
Matt Ellis, father to one of the girls, will coach the side this year, with plenty of parents stepping up to help out.
Ellis works as a PE teacher.
Jordan said they were hoping the excitement of AFLW would attract a few more girls to the sport.
The Lions are the only club in Sunbury which has three junior teams and a senior team, providing a female pathway all the way through.
All three junior sides are looking for players this season.
The under-15s will be coached by Juan Maddox.
Travis Hodgson will again coach the under-18s. For more details, contact Laura on 0409 405 370.
Tara Murray
