By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE number of girls playing the round ball game in Geelong is set to double as the popularity of girls-only teams grows.
Football Geelong development officer Foddy Kyprian said girls aged 11 years and under were increasingly keen to pull on soccer boots.
“Last year for the first time Geelong introduced girls-only teams for the under-12s as we received feedback that girls want to play against girls,” he said.
“Some of the clubs were a little hesitant but it has been such a success. We’re ecstatic at the results and plan to expand it significantly.”
Geelong is divided into a northern hub, with three teams, and a southern hub with four teams, catering for 170 players.
“We’re on a big drive to recruit heaps more girls in those age brackets to create lots more teams to play against each other,” Mr Kyprian said.
“A lot of the girls are beginners and come in at a level they can cope with as they learn the skills.
“We’re hoping the girls will continue on and fill the declining teenage and women’s teams. We hope to have 300 girls under playing under-11 this year.”
Annabelle Connors and Camilla Sculley agreed playing against other girls was more enjoyable.
“We like to rotate positions so we get to play forward or midfield and in defence,” Annabelle said.
“We like to have fun and learn as we go,” Camilla said.
