Influx of new Jimboomba Redbacks AFC players for 2017

Youth players have worked hard on perfecting their on-field skills since November and, as of next week, Juniors are set to start practicing too.

Jimboomba Redbacks secretary Rebecca Lisyak said more than 30 new Youth starters – girls and boys – have signed on for 2017.

“We have gone from struggling with numbers to make a girls team, when we first started them three years ago, to now having 34 registered female players,” she said.

“We’re looking to run an under 15s and an under 13s team this year, and on the boys side we’re hoping to have an under 12s and under 14s team.”

Olivia Vidoni, 13, and Jake Davison, 12, were two new Youth players eager to represent the region.

“I’m really excited to get to know the other girls and start the season with a bang,” Olivia said.

“I have a lot of passion for being active and just love the sport.”

Jake, who said he has played AFL for quite sometime, joined after moving to area.

“Playing ruck is my favourite position but I like playing them all,” he said.

“I started training with the club last week and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the season goes.”

Lisyak said players will be greeted with an additional field – which has yet to be handed over to the club – when the Youth season starts in March.

The Juniors season will follow, starting in April.

“We have two fields in operation this season when we’ve only had one field in the past,” she said.

“We’re very excited and our lights are also going through an upgrade too.

“We will have what is called A grade lighting so we can have night games at the club as well.

“When the laying of the grass has been completed and the irrigation is correct, Logan City Council will return those fields.”

Lisyak added potential players, interested in joining Jimboomba Redbacks AFC, are still able to sign on.

Residents can contact the club by visiting the Jimboomba Redbacks AFC Facebook page or website at www.jimboombaredbacks.sportingpulse.net.