By LIAM TWOMEY
THE future home of the Tarneit Tigers Football Club will be used as a major junior finals venue in the Western Region Football League this season.
As youngsters across the league prepare for finals action, the league announced its post-season venues earlier this month.
Other grounds set to be used include Grant and Cross Reserves in Altona, Dempster Park and Laverton Park.
Western Region Football League club development officer Tim Shellcot said it was great to be able to use the high quality venues, especially in Tarneit.
“We have been liaising with council to have use of it (Wootten Road) for finals and it’s been fantastic that they have allowed us to do that,” he said.
“It’s great to have such a good venue like that. There are two ovals there that will certainly cater for senior football if required as well.
“There are lights on one ground as well because we are looking at playing a twilight finals game in that first week, given the number of games we have got. Being brand new, it’s got great rooms and great facilities.”
With another year of junior football drawing to a close, Shellcot says the league is happy with participation rates, especially in the youngest under nine and under 10 age groups.
While rates traditionally drop off in older competitions, the league will work with clubs to maintain as many players as possible.
“Generally, what we find is that as the kids get older, there is more of a drop in numbers,” he said.
“Having said that, we have, three under 11, three under 12 and three under 13 divisions which has been a bit of an increase and really positive to see.
“We are looking at, in conjunction with our junior board … how many kids actually drop off at the different age groups, so we will be able to track junior retention.
“We can then look at that again next year and see where the hole is and where the major drop off is. That will allow us to put measures in place and really target the areas we need to.”
