The sun came out for the annual AFL 9v9 Girls Football Gala Day held last Friday. The format of the day has now moved from the traditional 18-a-side game to the more inclusive AFL 9v9. Students warmed up by walking to Toomuc Reserve where they played 3 games for the day.

Girls participated in some trial sessions at school early in the term and a squad of 17 was selected including 3 emergencies. The girls were asked to commit to and attend some training sessions during lunch times and to also kick and handball a footy every day. The improvement in their ball handling skills was evident as the training sessions progressed and they applied these well on game day!

They supported each other on the day to build up each other’s confidence and remained positive and upbeat all day. The team was led by Ava S and Vula T on the field. 

We thank Jack who volunteered his time to help coach on Fridays and on game day. The team listened to him attentively and actioned things he asked them to do which meant that the team improved their skills from game to game. 

There were 5 pools of teams competing on the day with St Patrick’s part of the Pakenham District Pool B. Although not able to gain the wins with their pool games, the team should be very proud of their effort to band together to win their final consolation match.

Thanks you to all staff who assisted on the day, as well as family and friends who came to cheer the team along at the ground. Thank you to Beaconhills College staff who organised the set up on the day and coordinated umpires for each of the matches.

It was a positive experience for all, with Year 5s ready to go again next year!

Go St Pat’s!