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GIRLS who love their footy will be out in force at Dower Park in Kangaroo Flat on Friday for the start of a new junior program being run by senior players from Bendigo Thunder.
The free six-week skills clinic and mini-competition is aimed at girls aged from nine to 12 and has the support of AFL Central Vic and the Bendigo Junior Football League.
It follows the School Sport Victoria divisional football carnival for primary girls held in Bendigo on Tuesday - the first time such a competition has been held in this region.
AFL Central Vic football development manager Tony McNamara said participants could play the game in an all-girl environment where many would feel more comfortable.
With no tackling allowed, the hard physical aspect of the sport was also removed as they learnt the fundamentals of football from some great female role models.
"Thunder is really keen to be involved and will be teaching the girls the skills of the game, as well as having them play games every night of the program," he said.
“The senior girls are giving back to the community, and to the future generation of Thunder players.”
Future plans could possibly include an all-girl Auskick program, turning the oval into a one-stop shop for families with girls to go on Fridays and take part in football activities.
Training starts at 4.30pm this Friday on Beck Legal Oval in Dower Park, with matches scheduled to finish by 5.45pm.
No football experience is necessary, just a passion for the game.
To take part, register online at the BJFL website or simply turn up on the night and fill in a form before taking the field.
Meanwhile, St Kilian's and Woodend won Tuesday's finals at the SSV divisional carnival for primary schools girls' teams.
St Kilian's played Kennington in the Sandhurst division final.
The Saints won 3.2 (20) to 0.3 (3).
Woodend beat Kyneton in the Goldfields final.
Joint co-ordinators of the carnival, which was contested by 13 schools, were Luke Monaghan and Steve McKerrow.
A big day of footy action included each school playing five games under the round-robin format.
Games were 10-minute halves and four ovals were used.
Matches were umpired by students from SEDA.
After winning their finals, St Kilian's and Woodend will now focus on the regional finals to be played on August 5 in Swan Hill.
It's another hectic day of footy action at La Valla on Wednesday when the primary schools boys' carnival is played.