By JARROD POTTER
BACK-to-back Youth Girls’ premiers Beaconsfield is extending the nest to include an Under-12 girls’ football team.
Beaconsfield’s Youth Girls’ team, started in 2012, has been a paragon of success in its first three seasons in the South East Juniors.
They have claimed two premierships already and one of their premiership stars wants to give the next generation a chance to excel at earlier ages.
Beaconsfield’s Georgia Anderson – also an inaugural Dandenong Stingrays’ Youth Girls Academy player this year – will coach the inaugural side with Rod Hamilton and Ellie Blackburn assisting the new team.
Anderson was inspired by AFL Victoria’s Female Development Manager Chyloe Kurdas to cultivate the team and give parents with young girls another sports option beyond putting their daughters in with the boys.
“Basically I did a leadership program and worked with Chyloe to start the program and my aim was to get the grassroots back at Beacy to try and keep the continuation of the young girls coming through,” Anderson said.
“I always wanted to play footy but mum was sort of hesitant because she didn’t want me playing with the boys… coming from a dancing background it was a bit out of the ordinary.
“I know a lot of parents are hesitant coming into this age – letting their daughters play with boys.
“Would have meant to lot for there to have been a Youth Girls’ footy team back then – my aim is to give the younger kids the opportunity now to have that as young girls.”
The 12-a-side competition is open to any girls born in 2003/04 and 2005.
For more information, contact Georgia Anderson on georgiaanderson13@gmail.com or Beaconsfield JFC registrar Fran Russell, registrar@beaconsfieldjfc.com.au.
“Any interest at all, just come along and have a try out, it’s worth it and Beacy’s a very supportive club… willing to put everything into helping the girls come through,” Anderson said.
“If anyone wants the opportunity, Beacy is offering it.”
