AFTER the stunning success of its senior team, the Bendigo Dragons is readying its juniors for an assault on Gridiron Victoria’s under-18s competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dragons are recruiting players now for the season kick-off in September.
Dragons vice-president David Barker encouraged any interested players to come to the club’s training.
“Gridiron offers positions for all shapes and sizes, so never think that your body type wouldn’t be suited to the game,” Barker said.
“As long as players have an enthusiastic attitude and want to learn, then we’ll be able to find a position for you.
“We have had a large amount of interest towards the junior program. The biggest positive for juniors is the season from September to December follows the end of the senior season from May to September.
“It allows players who play traditional winter sports like football and soccer to still be able to play Gridiron without any clashing.”
The junior Dragons will be mentored by a panel of senior coaches and players, allowing for as much one-on-one coaching as possible to fast-track new players.
“The ultimate goal for any junior team is to give players the chance to gain experience in the sport, before making the step into seniors,” Barker said.
Junior training is every Tuesday from 6 to 7.30pm at Maiden Gully Oval. Players must bring football boots and a water bottle.
The Dragons hopes its juniors will play matches at the Tom Flood Sports Centre, following its seniors’ successful home debut, which attracted thousands of spectators.
“We will be having discussions with the council after our final senior home game this weekend,” Barker said.
“Hopefully the large spectator attendances and the positive feedback from Gridiron Victoria and the Bendigo public will be enough to secure Tom Flood Sports Centre as the permanent home for Gridiron in Bendigo.”
The Dragons are on the lookout for sponsors for its junior program and can be contacted at bendigodragons@gmail.com.
The Dragons’ seniors final home game for the season is at Tom Flood from 7pm on Saturday against the 2012 Vic Bowl Champions, Monash Warriors.
Monash Barbarians and Gipplsand Gladiators will clash in the Greater City Tyre & Auto ‘Saturday Night Lights’ curtain-raiser from 4pm. Entry is via gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to BDAC Youth Space.