After months of confusion and delays due to the COVID-19 crisis, junior football will make its triumphant return to the fields of the region this weekend.
And it will bring with it a historic moment for local football.
Following on from Echuca and Moama in the past five years, Echuca United will run onto the field for their first game of youth girls football, when they take on Tatura at Echuca South.
United junior president and youth girls coach Daryl Poole said it was an exciting day for the club.
“It's going to be nice to give the girls the opportunity to play a game instead of doing lane work,” he said.
“We're all looking forward to Sunday because it is going to be a historic day for the club.
“We've got a good balance between girls who have played before and those who have never played a game.
“Since it was announced we would be playing there has been strong interest which has helped to boost our numbers.”
Like all clubs hosting matches, United will need to ensure players and spectators are following strict COVID-19 protocols.
“We are recommending the minimal number of people do attend as spectators,” Poole said.
“If parents do come to the game, we ask that they stay in their cars to watch.”
The Shepparton District Football League - featuring Echuca, Echuca United and Moama - will play their under-16s and under-14s competitions, while the Bendigo Junior Football League - now including LBU and Leitchville-Gunbower - will return for under-18s and under-16s accounts.
The Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football League and Goulburn Valley League will begin their seasons next week.
Echuca's GVL junior teams will also be in action taking on Yarrawonga in a practice match.
Fixture
SDJFL
Youth Girls: Tatura v Echuca United at Echuca United, Sunday at 10.45am. Moama – Bye.
Under-14s: Echuca Green v Echuca White at Victoria Park, Sunday at 10.45am.
Under-16s: Echuca United v Rochester at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 10.45am. Echuca United v Echuca at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, Sunday 1pm. Moama v Shepp United, Victoria Park, Echuca, Sunday at 2pm.
BJFL
Under-16s: Lockington Bamawm United v Sandhurst at Leitchville Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 11am.
Under-18s: Leitchville-Gunbower v Newbridge at Leitchville Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 1pm.
11°C