President Darren Skelton said new players were needed to ensure both teams could compete in this season’s Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.
‘‘There is an opportunity for players who are new to town, or who maybe stopped playing football when they were younger, to come down and have a game,’’ Skelton said.
He said players from surrounding areas were also most welcome to play.
‘‘Footy is great for fitness and meeting new people, and we want to see as many young people as possible enjoying the benefits of playing sport.
‘‘We take a no-barriers approach to playing.
‘‘If travel or the cost of playing is an issue, let us know and we will work something out.
‘‘At the end off the day we want young people playing footy.’’
Last season both under-16 sides made the W&DJFL finals, with the Bulldogs falling to eventual winners Mansfield in the preliminary final.
Skelton said the BDJFL committee would consider re-allocating the under-16 teams to ensure equal numbers in both sides prior to the season.
‘‘We need to make sure that both our sides are given the best opportunity to perform well, and reviewing the numbers in each side will be part of that process.’’
The BDJFL will again enter under-14 and under-12 teams in the regional competition.
Bart Berry (Bulldogs) and Peter Woods (Giants) were this week confirmed as coaches for the under-14 teams.
Registrations will be open at the end of the month for all teams.
New players are always most welcome, including youth girl players up until the under-14 age group.
The Benalla Auskick Centre will again operate from the Benalla Arundel Street Ovals on Saturday mornings.
Registrations are already open via the AFL Auskick website.
‘‘We are looking forward to another successful season of junior football in Benalla,’’ Skelton said.
‘‘Securing numbers in our under-16s team is our highest priority, along with locking in the remaining coaches and officials.
‘‘I know we say it every season, but we need parents to get involved, put their hands up and help out.
‘‘We are a volunteer organisation, and if we don’t have helpers we simply can’t continue to provide junior football opportunities.’’
The BDJFL is currently seeking a treasurer to join its executive committee.
All inquiries can be directed to Darren Skelton by phone on 0417368805, via the BDJFL Facebook Page, or by email to banddjfl@gmail.com