By LIAM TWOMEY
SUNSHINE Heights wants to see as many kids as possible playing football.
After not having a junior branch of the club three years ago, the Dragons have enjoyed remarkable success with their, “Free footy’s for kids, footy is fun for everyone,” program.
The initiative gives juniors throughout the community, who may not be able to afford to play Aussie Rules, the chance to take part in the game.
Sunshine Heights vice president Michael Nicolaides explained the importance behind junior sport and participation.
“What we want to do is provide free football for juniors,” he said.
“It provides active participation in the local community and it keeps them fit. A lot of these kids often don’t have opportunities to be involved in community sport.
“At the moment the program we have got is, if you live in the local community and you have a health care card, then football is free for your child.
“If you live in the local community without a health care card, the costs are cut by 75 per cent.
“Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for fees you are paying around $25.”
The program has already enjoyed outstanding success with Sunshine Heights fielding junior teams in the under-9s and under-11s this past season.
The latter even went on to make the grand final.
As well as assisting with the financial element of junior sport, Sunshine Heights also helps juniors with transport to and from training and games.
In order to continue this support in the future, the club is looking for any potential sponsorship for the 2014 season.
“The program was all driven by Michael Grima. I can’t speak highly enough of what he has done for the football club. It has just been tremendous,” Nicolaides said.
“Unfortunately, the money does go dry when you’re paying for 40 or 50 students to play football.
“What we are asking is that any potential sponsors who can help us, not just financially but whether it is a donation or something we can raffle off, that would be greatly appreciated.”
Any local businesses in the community that can provide assistance are encouraged to contact Michael Nicolaides via email, nicolaides.michael.m@edumail.vic.gov.au or phone 0412 536 962.
