By LIAM TWOMEY
WHEN junior players from the Burnside Heights Football Club run out onto the field this season, there will be some extra support cheering from the sidelines.
The Bears have introduced their own mascot called ‘Bernie’ for the club’s second season in the Essendon District Football League.
The new addition to the supporter base continues Burnside’s emphasis on player enjoyment as it looks to establish itself in the competition.
Club president Justin Peagram said the mascot has already been a bit hit with players.
“We chose the Bears as the club nickname last year but we are just trying to think of something a little bit outside the normal for the club to do,” he said.
“Last season we had the theme song playing at home games which was probably a little bit different for a junior footy club.
“We sort of thought what else can we do to really get the kids involved. We thought a mascot would be really good. It is going to be a bit of fun for the younger age groups. Certainly the 10s and 12s will enjoy it.”
The club’s hard work off the field is already paying dividends with numbers growing ahead of the new season.
After entering two teams in 2012, the Bears are looking at having a possible five teams this season including two under-10 sides and one in the under-12, under-14 and under-16 age groups.
Peagram said the club would know more about its team make up after its planned early year registration days.
“We are looking at what numbers we have now and it will be a matter of getting those last four or five kids early in the New Year,” he said.
“We don’t think that getting those kids is going to be a problem, they came to us last year.”
