Junior footballers from Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon are set to impress at Andoom Oval during term two as AFL Cape York launches its 2024 local season on the western Cape. Photo: Supplied.
The first ball-ups of the Australian football season in Weipa have been done and won after junior and senior competitions got under way last week.
Mondays will be the day for a senior social competition at Andoom Oval, with players scheduled to take to the field on 20 May, 10 June and 17 June from 5:30-6:30pm.
Junior footballers in years 4-6 will star on Tuesdays when they participate in a development program from 6:15pm on 30 April, 7 and 21 May, 11 June and 18 June.
The competitions are being facilitated by AFL Cape York, with the junior program designed to practice the skills players learn at school and transfer them into a real match scenario against other students from Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon.
AFL Cape York game development officer Matt Mellahn said the senior competition was free to play in and open to footballers 16 years or older, adding it would take the format of modified rules to ensure everyone enjoyed their time on the paddock.
“We’ve come in here for the last 20 years, so we’re a familiar face in the community,” he said.
“I think it’s just that relationship and consistency; there’s no ice breakers required, they just roll in and know what to expect.”
As the junior and senior seasons gather momentum over the coming weeks, Mr Mellahn said he was excited to see the skills that would go on display, especially by younger footballers.
“There’s talent all through here,” he said when asked about how impressive the western Cape York juniors were.
“I don’t know if they know how talented they are, some of these kids.
“It’s exciting for us.”
For more information about junior or senior AFL in Weipa, call 0405 514 547.
Andoom Oval will come alive with a modified senior AFL competition on Mondays between now and June, while junior players will take to the field on Tuesdays. Photo: Supplied.
