Girls footy leading the way

The Morley Bulldogs Junior Football Club was responsible for a fantastic game day initiative over the weekend by creating a ‘Spirit of Football’ award for their Year 7/8 Girls opposition side, the Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club.

As part of the award, the Morley Year 7/8 Girls Team signed a leather football and presented it to the opposition team's player that showed the best spirit for the whole game.

Morley JFC President Ross Condo said: “At our club, Adam Paige leads the way in creating positive game day environments, and has delivered many initiatives with the girls teams over the past few years.

“The club’s success in growing female football is all directly related to Adam’s hard work.”

The key philosophy within the girls program at Morley JFC can be broken down into four key areas; Humble in Victory, Gracious in Defeat, Fair Play always & Umpire is the boss. No exceptions.

Metro Central Regional Development Council Female Football Delegate Tarryn Cuthbert said: “It was fantastic to read about this amazing display of respect within the junior female football community. Uniting our values and commitment to female footy must be commended.”

The Metro Central Region, which includes the East Perth Junior District, experienced a disappointing start to the first two rounds this season, recording 14 Red Cards, 10 Yellow Cards and two melees across all age groups. An email was communicated to all stakeholders midweek to remind coaches and team managers that Junior Football is not the AFL. It’s a joint responsibility by all volunteers to ensure junior football matches are competitive, safe and fun for all participants.

East Perth District Junior Delegate Shaun Hughes congratulated the efforts of Morley JFC.

“To use the 2020 Bulldogs mantra, #whyweplay, this initiative perfectly captures that. Football played in the right environment, with like-minded people can result in significant outcomes for the community. I am really proud of these two clubs for exemplifying positive game day attitudes.”

In a COVID-19 affected season, the East Perth District has seen an increase of eight girls teams, and an increase of 212 female participants across all age groups.