The growth of women in Queensland who’ve decided to strap on the footy boots and play rugby league in the last 12-24 months has been phenomenal and that number continues to rise … especially in the Central Highlands.
In 2015, the Central Highlands sets to host one of the biggest regional Women’s competitions in the state with five teams set to do battle over a regular home and away season.
The number of teams in the competition has grown in numbers and support and has risen from the three initial teams last year … but it won’t just be the Senior Women who take to the field in 2015.
It’s a well-known fact that the region is home to some of the best junior girl footballers with many players selected in school and representative sides but sadly, this was as much footy as many of the girls were able to play.
The woman leading the charge with a brand new Central Highlands Under 16’s Girls competition is Terri Weatherley and she says it’s exciting to see the girls be given the opportunity to play rugby league on a regular basis.
“What we’re trying to do in the Central Highlands is have some junior football for girls because in the past, girls have been able to play until they’re 13, and then that’s it…even though they’re still passionate about the sport and have the skills and talent,” Weatherley said.
“We’re really trying to give them a fair and equal opportunity at playing football, because there are representative opportunities for the girls in the future, particularly with our Under 16’s.”
Miccala Forbes has just signed for the Emerald Tigers Under 16’s side this year and says she is excited for the year ahead with her Emerald Tigers side.
“I think we work really well together as a team and our side has some really talented players who can make a difference.”
The Under 16’s competition in the Central Highlands will begin with two teams – a North team encompassing players from Clermont, Dysart, Middlemount and Peak Downs and a South team, encompassing players from Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure and Gemfields.
These two teams will join together each game and will be evenly split so all of the girls have the opportunity to play together and have evenly matched teams.
The season kicks off on Saturday, March 14 with a game in Emerald and will see matches played every two to three weeks with the next match scheduled in Middlemount on Saturday, March 28.
