The Northern Stars junior football program is enjoying a season of growth thanks to the hard work of its volunteer organisers and funding from AFL Victoria.
Northern Stars is a combined project involving North Shore and Corio football netball clubs, creating one program that provides football opportunities for all juniors in the area.
In 2026 the program is fielding teams in AFL Barwon’s under 10, under 12 and under 14 competitions. Junior co-ordinator Jessie Lee Hunter said numbers had grown to 73 this year, with another 40 children registered in the Auskick program.
Funding from AFL Victoria means that the Auskick program is free and junior competition players only pay $30 for their uniform – all other fees are covered. Some players have also received free boots.
North Shore Football Netball Club representative Rowley Bone said the funding resulted from practical support provided by former AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and Member for Corio Richard Marles.
“Through their support we worked with AFL Victoria and AFL Barwon, who have development roles in our program,” Rowley said.
“We received $100 vouchers for each player registered, which means we can make football affordable for families. We also received equipment and funding to be able to offer Auskick free.
“With the success of the program and the same continued support we expect the numbers to keep increasing, which is a great result for football in north”.
Future plans are for Geelong Football Club to appoint an AFL and AFLW Ambassador to the program to make school visits, attend Auskick centres and help at junior training.
Jessie Lee, in her second year as co-ordinator, said the funding had been the difference between playing or not for some juniors.
“It’s made it a possibility for families for the kids the play,” she said. “We’ve had a great year.”
Jessie Lee said running the program is a lot of hard work, but worth it, and the growth this year has unearthed new volunteers who will be important to the club’s future.
She said it’s not too late for juniors to get involved. They can join training at Corio Football Netball Club, in Purnell Road, on Wednesday and Thursday from 4.20pm until 5.30pm. Games are played at various grounds around Geelong, on Friday nights and weekends.
For more information look for Northern Stars JFC on Facebook.