Girls okay to play in Picola league

The league’s season starts on Saturday and its 15 clubs have been given the all-clear to promote the fact over-age female players are now eligible to apply to play in the competition.

“Last year we were told that girls couldn’t play, by the AFL,” Mr Senior said.

A 15-year-old from Katamatite had her approach to the league refused after it received advice from further along the food chain that it was against AFL rules.

“We took that pretty seriously when the AFL told us it couldn’t happen and I actually approached Suzanna Sheed (State Member for Shepparton) for support,” Mr Senior said

“She investigated the matter and by the time we had finished the to-and-fro it was found no such rule existed.

“Now the girls are free to play.’’

A three-year gap in our Picola district football system, from under-14 to under-17 means a significant jump for under-age footballers.

Hence the offer for over-age players being considered on a regular basis by the league, for players who may not have physically matured at the same rate as other players.

“We are very conscious of looking after our kids,” Mr Senior said.

“For the girls, once they turn 14 there is nowhere within our structure for them to go. They need to travel elsewhere in order to play, Shepparton or Echuca.

“For some parents that is not realistic.’’

The league leader said there had been two applications from over-age girls already, but the fact the league was offering 15-year-old girls the opportunity to play hadn’t been widely publicised.

“We are trying to solve the problem of it being engrained that the girls can’t play football once they turn 14. That is the real problem,” Mr Senior said.

He said often female footballers would participate in both football and netball, so offering an extension to their football experience would help to keep girls in the sport.

More on Page 17 today.