Tatura Football Club sounding the siren for junior numbers

A change is needed and to institute it Saddlier is flinging the doors open to any junior who wants a place to feel welcome.

“We would love to see players come out to Tatura where everyone gets a game,” Saddlier said.

“I would hate to see kids stop playing football because they didn’t make the cut somewhere else — I’d rather them come to Tat and have a kick.”

There are many contributing factors as to why the stream of youngsters trickled to a halt for the Bulldogs.

Competing with the town’s strong soccer presence — a sport more enticing to parents from a safety perspective — is one.

However, most, as Saddlier indicated, stem from a lack of secondary education present in the town.

“Tatura faces a lot of mountains to climb that other clubs don’t,” he said.

“There is a big issue with the transition from under-12s to under-14s, when students head off to secondary school.

“Our kids hop on the bus, head to Shepparton and make new friends which is where we lose our players.

“As well as that, kids get sick of losing.”

While playing for Tatura may not always equate to points on the board, there’s no denying there is a mighty heart beating at the Bulldogs.

Saddlier said although premierships aren’t guaranteed, a nurturing environment is.

“We are all about being inclusive — at the end of the day the club philosophy is about participation,” Saddlier said.

“Coaches are dedicated to providing individual player growth. It is not all about winning and that is what defines us from other clubs.

“We are fortunate in that we have three coaches at under-14 level who share the role and, if there are kids who live in Shepparton and can only come out one night for training, our coaches can accommodate that.

“We know the situation and can work around it.”

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