Girls and Boys: Can they play together?
Story taken from the Sunday Sun Herald: (thanks to Highly Inflammable for pointing it out)
Jessica Warren, 16, has played two seasons with Ballarat Academy of Soccer (sic) under-16 boys' side - but that cuts no ice with the opposition.
Avondale Heights Junior Soccer (sic) Club approached the referee before a game and argued Jessica should be banned because she was a girl. The referee agreed.
After Ballarat complained to Football Federation Victoria, an official apologised to Jessica on behalf of the federation and the referee. But Avondale Heights treasurer John Colangeli said his club had nothing to apologise for.
Ballarat Academy head coach Rick Romein described the ban and subsequent response from Avondale as ignorant.
Jessica, back playing with the Academy boys this weekend, tried out with the state girls' side last year. "The Avondale officials said they were worried if I got injured they would be sued," she said, "I wouldn't be playing against boys if I was scared of being injured." Federation spokesman Mark van Aken said a rule stopping girls under (over?) 14 from playing against boys had long been scrapped. They could play against boys to the age of 21.
Well, it begs the question, to me anyway, why would a group of boys protest about a girl playing?
Any answers?
1 comment:
You didn't mention that the Ballarat squad went on to win easily with only 9 players and Jess supporting from the Coaches box.
Later in the Season, it was Avondales turn to make the trip to Ballarat where they would have to face a very determined Jess and a full squad who would have slaughtered the Avondale team on the day. Loads of female soccer supporters were planning on supporting Jess & her team mates on their home turf.... Unfortunately, they never got a chance to play this percentage boosting game as Avondale did not show - they were all yellow!
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