Jamie First – Bayside Leader
Hampton Rovers VAFAW Coach Ned Fallon says more needs to be done to encourage women into sport
THE Hampton Rovers are kicking goals for women’s sport, even though they only started up last December.
Up to 50 females have been training with the footy club each week.
Coach Ned Fallon said he had been blown away by the enthusiasm for taking part in Aussie rules.
“Women are hungrier to play than any guy I have ever seen,” he said.
“It’s all new to them, but they absorb everything and they bring their own style.”
He said it was a great achievement to have so many women on the ground.
“Sport is for everybody,” he said.
“Girls have always been our biggest supporters and trainers, and now to see them on the field is awesome.”
Fallon said more should be done to encourage females to play sport.
“They should be given better opportunities,” he said.
“If you give them the opportunity, they will take it with both hands.”
He said a lack of exposure was among the barriers women faced, with little discussion about their leagues.
Mr Fallon said they aimed to change that with social media and word-of-mouth.
Hampton Rovers train Mondays and Wednesdays for about an hour and all players are welcome to join.
The club will host the historic first ever VAFA Women’s game, under lights at Boss James Reserve on Friday, April 7. A function will be held prior to the match to launch a new era for the VAFA – tickets are now on-sale. Details >
