Gawler Central Football Club’s under 14’s and 17’s women’s team finals preparation received a boost last week with a visit from Adelaide Crows Women’s AFL premiership team player, Courtney Cramey.
Ms Cramey spoke with the young women about her career in football, the challenges she has faced and provided advice on how players could develop and further their interests in Australian Rules Football.The visit was arranged by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who said he was keen for local young women to hear from women footballers playing at the highest level.“I have no doubt that the visit was a real boost to their confidence ahead of the upcoming finals,” Mr Piccolo said.
Ms Cramey said it was great to come out and share with the girls her journey to becoming an AFLW premiership player.“I enjoyed jumping in and helping the girls with their training session and wishing them luck for their finals game,” said Ms Cramey.Football Club President, Mr Andrew Pike said it was great for the girls to have Courtney attend training and speak with them.“The opportunity for the girls to take their football to the highest level of AFLW is now a distinct possibility and Courtney provided an insight into that pathway,” Mr Pike said.
“Hopefully one day into the future there will be AFLW footballer that can say they started their career at Gawler Central and were inspired by what Courtney had to say," he said.Under 14’s coach, Matt Bradley said it was fantastic to have Courtney come and stay for the whole training session as it was a valuable learning experience for all the girls who got to have a chat, ask questions and pick up some ideas along the way.“The girls really enjoyed the session and took it all in,” said Mr Bradley.
The team captains echoed the coach’s comments, with Under 17’s captain Aimee Lockwood saying that it was such an honour to meet someone like CJ and for her to come out to training to help improve with our skills.“Fantastic night, what a great experience meeting Courtney from the Adelaide Crows,” added Chloe Tidswell, Under 14’s team leader.Seven Clubs in the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association now have women teams.