THERE'S an excited buzz around Kangaroo Flat as its new youth girls football team prepares to take the field for the first time.
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Crusoe College students Ashlee McLeod, Melanie Hull and Bronte O'Keefe are among the teens looking forward to proudly wearing the green and white in their opening match on Sunday.
But it will be a tough assignment - the new kids on the block face reigning premiers Castlemaine at Dower Park from 2.45pm.
The Roos are one of two new youth girls teams in the Bendigo Junior Football League, along with Maryborough.
The season also kicks off for under-12s, 14s and 16s this weekend and BJFL president Scott McLeod said there had been an increase in teams across most divisions.
"This is a pleasing trend for our league and demonstrates the local commitment and passion for junior football in our region," he said.
Under-9 and 10 games begin next weekend, May 3-4.
More than 60 junior matches will be played in Bendigo, Maryborough, Kyneton and Castlemaine each week during the season.
McLeod said the BJFL would strive for a balanced competition in all age groups so the first four rounds would be reviewed weekly as grading matches.
The Bendigo Umpires Association is seeking more umpires to cope with the extra teams - contact Peter Cleary on 0418 569 394.