AFL Goldfields & the Riddell District Football Netball League are pleased to confirm the registration of the Gisborne Giants Junior Football Netball Club. This formation of a second junior club in Gisborne is a significant achievement for both the town itself, the RDFNL & AFL Goldfields. The club will be governed by the Gisborne Rookies Junior committee throughout the 2016 season, and will be reviewed at season’s end.
Following the implementation of changes after the completion of the 2015 AFL Goldfields Junior Review, the Gisborne Rookies committee took the initiative to press ahead with the new club, well in advance of the required timeframes. For its inaugural season, the Giants will host a team in each of the U10, U12 & U14 age groups. Gisborne Rookies President Craig Shore stated that “Our decision to assist the establishment of a new club is in the long term interests of junior football in Gisborne”, whilst also going on to add that “The Gisborne community continues to grow and we expect junior participation (in AFL) to increase significantly in the coming years”. Brad Young, who is part of the Rookies committee, and heavily involved in the planning of the new club said that “The Rookies were faced with the problem of having up to 27 players in each team across all age groups. Kids were not going to get the game time they desired in a one club town. The introduction of this new club structure will offer more participation opportunities for those wanting to play competitive football in Gisborne”.
AFL Goldfields Regional General Manager Rod Ward noted that “The need for a second Junior Club in Gisborne was recognized as a priority by AFL Goldfields, the RDFNL and the Gisborne Rookies Junior FNC. We are thrilled with the level of cooperation and assistance being given by the Gisborne Rookies JFNC, to assist us in creating this club” Ward went on to say that “You really have to commend the club (Gisborne Rookies) in trying to grow the game in this town”.
Both Gisborne Junior clubs will continue to play their home games at either Gardiner Oval or Sankey Reserve, but there is an urgent need for additional infrastructure in Gisborne to support the growing participation of sport in general. Local Council purchased land in Hamilton Road (New Gisborne) last year, directly across from the newly formed netball courts, with plans to build two new football ovals at the site. In discussing the likelihood of further increases in Gisborne’s population over the next 2 to 5 years, Cr Russell Mowatt said that “The Council has made an investment into the future of the community, especially recreation and sport”. Whilst the first meeting between Gisborne Giants & Gisborne Rookies will take place at Sankey or Gardiner later this year, there is much anticipation of the two clubs meeting at a newly formed venue in the not too distant future.
AFL Goldfields and the RDFNL launched the Gisborne Giants Junior FNC at a special event held at Gardner Reserve last Monday night. Watch highlights of the event right here.
For further information or queries, please contact RDFNL Operations Manager Steve Williams on 0412 984 285 or steve@aflgoldfields.com.au
Last Modified on 19/02/2016 09:47