Whilst this is exciting and welcomed, it does present challenges. One major challenge is providing each child with the most football the club can.
Swelling numbers, particularly at Under 12s level resulted in a player rotation system in 2023.
That saw a balance of game opportunities based on top age/ bottom age and a 24-member squad each week.
Looking to the 2024 season, the YFNC is again anticipating great numbers.
For that reason, the YFNC is committed to trying to enter TWO even Under 12s teams and TWO even Under 14s teams in the Sunday AWJFL competition.
“This is all on basis of maximising game time opportunities for all kids regardless of age and/ability,” Junior Football Coordinator Phil Conway said.
“However, to achieve this we are wanting to be well in front of the curve and as organised as possible prior to the season.
“To help in our efforts, we would ask that if you are new starter or a returning player at either Under 12s AWJFL or Under 14s AWJFL level that you inform us of your intention to come and play at the YFNC.
“This will allow the club to get a better grasp on numbers for the 2024 season.”
The YFNC encourages all kids of all abilities to be a part of the club.
“Everyone is welcome and we hope that if we can achieve enough numbers to successfully enter two teams per age group we can better facilitate and maximise each child’s football experience,” Phil said.
“This is a time in their lives when playing should be just out there having fun!”
Junior coaches raring to go
The junior Yarrawonga Football Netball Club is pleased to announce the junior coaching group for season 2024.
All these men come with exceptional credentials and the club are extremely pleased to have them on board to guide the junior program and participants through season 2024.
“We welcome Matt Wollington and Dean Bigger to our coaching group,” Junior Football Coordinator Phil Conway said.
“Both of these men will take on the lead roles for the Under 12s and assisted by our club president (and dad to a new under 12 player) Ross Mulquiney.
“Our under 14s will have 3 co-coaches for next season being myself (Phil Conway), Noel Skehan and Mick Stevens.
“We all have a different skill set and will bring a variety of training ideas with a fresh approach to the playing group whilst maintaining our club direction of participation, learning, development and fun.
“Moving on to the under 16s are Nathan and Jamie. These two teamed up last season in the under 14s and continuing with the momentum they have gained with this group into the under 16s.
“We look forward to going into our next season with this well organised and committed group of coaches and can’t wait to see the kids represent us so well again in the AWJFL competition.”
If you are new to the club or community and would like to enquire about playing football at the YJFC, please feel free to contact Phil Conway (Junior Football Coordinator) on 0428 393650.