The Ararat & District Junior Football Association is seeking new participants to strengthen the competition ahead of the 2021 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The association runs an Under 13 competition open to players of all abilities.
Association president Shane Jenkins said there has recently been an encouraging spike in registrations.
"Just over the last couple of weeks it's starting to really come together," he said.
READ MORE:
"Our numbers are starting to pick up, and we've got 60 kids now registered. We've got about another month before our season kicks off, so hopefully, we can generate a few more numbers over the school holidays.
"We've had a few girls register as well. There are about 10 who have signed up, which is good.
"At this stage, we've got three teams pencilled in, so it's dependent on our numbers whether we can get that fourth team up and running."
To help encourage people participation levels Ararat & District Junior Football Association has made registration free for 2021.
OTHER NEWS:
"It's a good reason for people to come and try," Jenkins said.
"Even if you sign-up and you change your mind down the track you're not going to be out of pocket."
Jenkins also said Ararat & District Junior Football Association and Stawell 13 and Under Football Association could partner for the upcoming season.
"I had a conversation with Stawell (13 and Under Football Association), and they are only going to be able to field two sides, which is not ideal for their competition. So, we may be looking at combining with Stawell, even if we get our four teams together," he said.
MORE NEWS:
"We were looking at it last year before COVID-19 shut everything down because numbers were down a bit then too."
Jenkins said he believed the pandemic had affected numbers but also noted these numbers often varied.
"One year you might have 20 top-aged kids and the next year you might only have five in that age bracket, so it does fluctuate a bit," he said.
"I think COVID has had a lot to do with it. I think people have gotten into the habit of not getting out but it's been fantastic to see new faces around the club the last couple of weeks."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.
