Open day aims at drawing girls to footy

Magpies women’s football team are encouraging girls to give footy a go by hosting an open day at the Busselton Football Club next Saturday.

The event is open to girls aged 13 years and older, and will include kicking and handballing exercises, games, prizes and the chance to have a kick with AFLW Fremantle Dockers player Gemma Houghton.

Captain Kylie Gibbs said the day was about encouraging young girls to have a go and get involved in the sport.

“Initially, it was about creating a girls youth team, but we would also like to attract some more women players to the senior side to boost numbers for next year,” she said.

“After juniors the girls stop playing or have to play with the women, so it can be pretty tough out there.

“Next year we want to create a youth team as a pathway for girls coming out of junior footy.”

Gibbs said the ladies team already included about six players who were under the age of 18 and she said she hoped numbers would increase.

“All the junior football clubs have been really encouraging in helping women further their footy, so hopefully if we get the numbers we will create a youth team and help continue the sport in the area,” she said.

The open day will be held on Saturday, July 8, at Sir Stewart Bovell Oval. For more information or to RSVP, email bsnwomens.football@ gmail.com