Youngsters from across Heidelberg West are being called on to don the red, white and blue and become a North Heidelberg Bulldog.
After the junior football club folded five years ago from a lack of players, one woman is pulling out all the stops to resurrect the team and inspire children from all different backgrounds in the area to play.
Mum and prospective junior club president Christie Delauney said the North Heidelberg Sporting Club was more than 50 years old and needed to get back to its roots by rebuilding its core.
"We currently have two senior teams that are doing well and have done so for many years," Ms Delauney said.
"But the players are getting older and without juniors the club will not survive much longer."
Ms Delauney said the club was trying to reach out to different areas of the Heidelberg West community to encourage them to get involved.
"I’m trying to connect with the community and different cultural groups," she said.
"We would like to get at least one team of juniors up and running and an Auskick team."
Ms Delauney said the club was aiming to meet with religious and cultural leaders throughout the Heidelberg West and Heights area to promote the game and set a dialogue that would hopefully see youngsters join the club.
"We’re asking the community to come and help by bringing the kids where they belong," she said.
"As a senior club we are willing to fund some costs to get the junior club started for parents who cannot afford the registration fees."
Ms Delauney said the first 20 children to sign up would receive a free singlet and hat.
The North Heidelberg Sporting Club will be holding a football clinic and hosting activities at the Malahang Festival on Sunday, November 17.
Details: 0413 285 846
(This article is courtesy of Leader Newspapers)
