Tara Murray
A new football club in Aintree is set to field sides for the first time next season.
The Aintree Football Club has been set up to cater for the growing number of children in Aintree taking up the sport.
Having had Auskick the last two years, president Nathan Brama said it was the natural progression to start to have teams and form a club.
“We’ve had a football program the last two years,” he said.
“We started Auskick two years ago and started with 17 kids and then ended the year with 32 kids.
“This year we started with 36 kids and ended up with 48. Kids play Auskick when they are seven and eight and then play junior football.
“We were losing a number of kids, so we started the process of starting a club.”
Brama said there had been eight months of work with Melton council and AFL Victoria as they sorted out the name, team colours, jersey and team song.
A decision about what competition the Giants play in is expected in the next couple of weeks.
Brama said they were keen to have at least two sides next season, while seeking interest from four different age groups. All teams will be mixed teams.
“We will still run Auskick and will look to have under-8s and under-10s,” he said. “We have opened it up for under-12s and under-14 and depending on numbers we’re happy to run a combined side.”
Brama said Woodlea, where the team will be based, has been really supportive of the side and has got on board.
The club currently has access to two ovals, one that is shared with the soccer and Melton Rugby Union clubs.
Long term both those clubs will be based elsewhere giving them full access during the winter months.
Brama said they had signed some sponsors and were looking for more people to get involved.
While in the initial stages, the club has set some goals for the next few years as the club and the area grows.
“For the 2024 season we want to have an all girls team,” Brama said. “For the 2025 season we want to be in the position to have kids from five to 18 playing football in Aintree.
“We’re looking at senior football for both men’s and women’s in five years and we’ll also be looking at netball.”
The club is holding an information night on November 17 at the Aintree Food & Wine Co. between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Details: Aintreefc@hotmail.com or www.facebook.com/AintreeFC
Tara Murray
