12 February 2013
Junior spirit in Tassie has kicked off to an exciting start this year with a free clinic and the launch of a primary school program.
North Melbourne Football Club stars Nathan Grima, Jordan Gysberts and Kieran Harper will attend a Devonport Junior Football Clinic on Saturday 16 February at Meercroft Park (north street end), from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
Hosted by Spirit of Tasmania, the free clinic invites gives junior footballers a chance to hone their skills with the players and enjoy a day welcoming the Roos back to Tassie as they prepare for another exciting season.
Juniors who would like to attend the clinic and go in the draw to win a signed North Melbourne jumper need to register at admin@devonportfc.com.au or call 03 6424 4542 by 5.00pm Thursday 14 February 2013.
At the clinic, junior footballers can find out more about the Devonport Football Club's Primary School competition - The Spirit Cup, proudly sponsored by Spirit of Tasmania.
The Spirit Cup is an Australian Rules primary school program for children in grades five and six from local North-West schools. The program is designed to be fun and participation-focused with no scores kept, no results and no finals. It is simply designed to increase participation in Australian Rules football and sport in general.
Devonport Football Club General Manager Mark Fagan said, "The program has been running since 2011, when seven primary schools entered the program and 120 children participated. In 2012, nine primary schools entered and 180 children participated. In 2013, we hope to grow these numbers even more."
"Over the past decade, the Devonport soccer and basketball clubs have been extremely successful at attracting large numbers of primary school children to their sport through junior programs. Aussie Rules has taken much of a back seat with this age group.
"It was identified by the club that a primary school program was desperately needed in the area to increase participation at an early age.
All teams will be presented with a Spirit Cup medallion at the end of the program. "Our officials have taken much delight in seeing the children so excited when presented with their medal," said Mark."
We are extremely pleased Spirit of Tasmania is on board and agreed it was a great community initiative - these programs cannot run without the support of our sponsors - we are extremely excited for this year's Spirit Cup - I have a feeling it will be our best one yet".
The junior football program will run in April/May 2013.
-ends-
Contact Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
