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Sponsors are an integral part of running any non-profit club and Ballajura Junior Football Club is no different.  Please help us by helping the businesses listed below as if it wasn't for them, this club wouldn't be the great club that it is today.

Major Sponsors

	johnjay@bigpond.net.au
	john@goodmandoors.com.au

Other Important Sponsors

The Junior Fixture list is maintained by .  This is a great website to maintain all ....

To access our section of the fixtures click here.

Details here....

Save yourself time at Registration by downloading and pre completing THE 2010 BJFC REGISTRATION FORM: TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Fees for 2010 - Transferring from another club - BJFC Registration Policy - For further information

REGISTRATION DATES AND VENUES:

2010 Registration Day

Sunday 21st of February 12 noon to 4pm
South Ballajura Community Centre (Next to Woolworths)
then Wednesday 24 February 6pm to 8pm
at Kingfisher Pavilion

All players, particularly new and transferring players (please see the BJFC policy below) can REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ONLINE at any time by clicking here and we will get back to you.

Socks, shorts and all of our CLUB MERCHANDISE (click here to view the selection) can be ordered (CLICK HERE) using the online form.

Club team/game jumpers are provided by the club however it will be necessary for each player to purchase club shorts, footy socks (East Perth blue and black colours) and boots.

NOTE: If you are playing for Ballajura for the first time, it will be necessary for you to bring along the players birth certificate (or birth extract) to Registration Day.

FEES FOR 2010:

Due to an increase in umpires fees for next season, also the probability of fewer sponsors due to the current economic climate, fees have been increased (only slightly) accordingly.

Auskick $95

9 - 12’s $125

13 - 14’s $130

15 - 17’s $150

All of the above fees include:

• Membership fee and game fees for the season
• Team photo
• Fund raising levy (alleviating the annual club raffle)

Payment

• No registration accepted without a payment, also our expectation is full payment at the time of registration.
• Outstanding payments - fees paid 1 month after second registration day will incur an additional $10 fee per player.
• Players must be fully paid before 1st game.

Transferring from another club?

Please see our CLUB POLICY below.

If you are transferring from another club, it will still be necessary to complete the BJFC application form, plus you will also need to complete a transfer form (BJFC will arrange for this to be signed by your previous club). This formality can be completed on one of the Registration Days through Ballajura JFC Registrar - Brett Turner. Your total number of games played in junior football at any other club, will only be recognised when we are officially advised your total games played by your original club.

CLICK HERE to download a transfer form to forward to the club or bring with you on Registration Day

BJFC POLICY

Due to the restriction of the maximum number of players permitted in a team, as always, it is our club policy to first cater for existing (past year) players in each age group who have registered to play therefore, a list is compiled of all new players and players requesting transfers from other clubs. After the second Registration Day numbers of teams and team lists are compiled.

NOTE: THIS DOES NOT EFFECT AUSKICK (6 to 8 year olds) as team player numbers are variable and number of teams are unlimited, all registering player will be automatically accepted.

SHOULD FURTHER INFORMATION BE REQUIRED CONTACT:

BJFC REGISTRAR: BRETT TURNER on 9249 4045 or 0401 105 419

Our sincere thanks go to the following Ballajura Junior Football Club Life Member for their contribution in shaping our club into what we all enjoy today.

1991 - Jeff Clark

1993 - Craig Elder

1994 - Ron Dolliver

1999 - Raelene Tallis

2000 - Patrick Croll

2001 - Peter Bowers

2002 - Don Heise

2003 - Silvana Miraudo (for Lou Miraudo)

2004 - Mil Prieato

2005 - Brett Richardson

2006 - Skeat Power

2007 - Rodney and Min Richards

2008 - Kim Bracknell - Mark Caporn - Rob Elvish

2009 - Tony Cuzens - Brett Turner - Leanne Power - Lorne O'Mara

Thursday last week one of our ex Committee members, mother of under 11's player Ryan Smith and ardent supporter of the club passed away suddenly. Some of you may remember MADGE SMITH as being the always smiling face behind the canteen at Parkview on Saturday mornings.
All at Ballajura Junior Football Club send our heart felt condolences to the Smith family on this sad occasion.

All too often we hear of unruly behaviour at junior and senior sporting events. Incidents are often considered of “public interest” and are therefore loved by the media and many receiving extensive coverage.

Unfortunately, in today’s more competitive society, the “UGLY PARENT SYNDROME (USP)” seems to be common place in most junior sports. So much so that extensive research has been carried out in Australia, UK and USA in an attempt to find a reason for the growth in UPS.

 A British study suggests that parental aggression is genetic which accounts for a child's response on the field to a parents ‘off-field’ behaviour. In a lot of cases, through their children, parents are attempting to fulfil what they lacked in sports achievements in their early life. Others, simply only care for “just me and my kid” rather than the sport itself.

 It is a sorry state of affairs when it is even more necessary to educate parents on their code of conduct, before we educate the player. In our own club, on occasion (that's one occasion too often) we hear of parents abusing the junior umpires, opposing players or coaching staff, or ‘parent-on-parent’ verbal confrontations.

 If only these parents stopped to think how stupid they look and, the damaging effect they are having on children on the field. This is apart from the embarrassment caused to their own child, the club and other parents of their team.

 To quote Bernd Stange (ex; Perth Glory Coach) “Parents are an important part of their child’s development but they are not sports specialists. There exists a number of parents who are fanatics and should simply stay away”

 Please be aware:

 “UGLY PARENTS” who are not willing to abide by our Club by-laws, are not welcome in Ballajura Junior Football Club and will be banned from grounds without hesitation.

Should this action fail then we would be forced to expel the player/family from the club without refund of fees paid.

Click here to listen to the club song.

East Perth are looking for players (13's to 17's) who are interested in earning some money on a Saturday morning. Umpiring the younger age groups is not just about the dollars, it has many other advantages such as gaining that additional fitness to help you further improve your game on Sundays and seeing the game from the umpires point of view thereby gaining a better understanding of how decisions are made.

If you are interested, contact the club (click here) or simply turn up at the umpires training night every Wednesday at 5.30 at Light Street Reserve, Dianella and speak to the East Perth Umpires Coordinator Terry Neilson.

Beach Runs 2010

The season started this week for the Modified Rules (9 - 12's) teams with all involved in Carnivals.

Ballajura hosted the Year 4s and a good time was had by all.

• 2010 Registration
• Transfer to BRJFC
• Merchandise Order
• 2010 / 12's Kalgoorlie
• Coaches Application
• 13's/14's PreSeason Camp 2011

COACH: GLEN DOBSON

MANAGER: JEFF GODDARD

Welcome to our team.

The first game for the year 4s was a carnival held at Parkview

Keep warm before and after the game with out Club Jackets

NEWS UPDATE: Updated 12 May 2010

Please make sure we have your email address as a constant E-Update will be sent regularly with all of the latest information. Email Pat Croll at ballajurajfc@vianet.net.au to say ''register my email address for Kalgoorlie 2011"

ATTENTION ALL OF THE 2011 UNDER 12’s

The under 12’s is an important age group for Ballajura Junior Football Club. Being the last year of modified rules it is the age when players start to take football a little more seriously.

For the past 15 years, our club has enjoyed a mutual arrangement with the Goldfields Junior Football Association for the under 12’s players each year. Through the season, all under 12’s from all clubs participate in Little League half time games at WAFL or AFL games. A Goldfields under 12’s (combined team from all 8 Goldfields clubs), are also invited to Perth from Kalgoorlie to play Little League for Subiaco FC.

All of our under 12’s are divided into 2 teams. One team will play the Goldfields during a visit to Perth in April or June plus one game in Kalgoorlie in July. The second team will play Merredin plus the first game in Kalgoorlie in July.

GOLDFIELDS TO BALLAJURA - APRIL (or June)

For the Goldfields visit to Perth in April, Ballajura play host to the combined team during their visit by transporting them with the club bus and many combined social events with our 12’s players and parents. The weekend also includes a home game, Ballajura v Goldfields playing full rules, with rucks and rovers on a full oval. This also proves to be great preparation for advancing to under 13’s the following year. Best on ground trophies and a club perpetual trophy is played for in Ballajura and Kalgoorlie

BALLAJURA TO MERREDIN & KALGOORLIE - JULY

In return, we take all of our under 12’s to Merredin and Kalgoorlie during the middle weekend of the July school holidays and our players are billeted with the Kalgoorlie players. The weekend is packed with events including an underground gold mine tour, gold pouring, gold panning, a visit to the Super Pit one game against Merredin and two games against Goldfields combined teams, overnight camp at the Nukarni Football Club rooms in Merredin and more. (See last years itinerary for 2010 in the menu to the left)

FUND RAISING

As you will realise, the cost to take 40 to 50 players on a full long weekend trip (Thurs am to Sunday pm) including food, the cost of fuel, the mines visit etc, is quite high, in fact the cost works out at approximately $100 per player.

In the past, all players and parents wanting to go to Merredin and Kalgoorlie are asked to assist in fund raising or seek sponsors to cover the costs. This has proved to be extremely successful, so much so that over the past 8 years enough funds were raised each year to purchase club track suits for every player participating as well as covering the total cost of the trip away.

It is never too early to start looking for possible sponsors or to start fund raising activities.

We will be looking for willing parents to form a fund raising committee as soon as possible so please talk to other 12’s parents who may be able to help out.

PLAYERS ACCOMMODATION IN KALGOORLIE

Dormitory style accommodation has been arranged for our players stay in Kalgoorlie. As there are many social events included in the weekend, all players are encouraged to stay with the group or they may miss out on some of the fun of the weekend.

PARENTS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS GO TO KALGOORLIE

Many parents take time off to travel to Kalgoorlie for the games. The Club will block book accommodation in Kalgoorlie at group rates but we must be advised of room requirements well in advance. We do not arrange accommodation in Merredin as most parents opt to travel through to Kalgoorlie after the Merredin game. Family members are also welcome to join in the tour of the Mines museum and participate in the under ground tour, gold pouring demonstration and panning for gold.

Please note that family rooms are extremely limited and on a first in first served basis. It is possible however to also use mattresses on the floors of double rooms for children.

Parent accommodation is block booked by the club in the Accommodation Village, Kalgoorlie. Please do not call the Accommodation Village directly as you will not get the reduced rate unless it is booked through the Club. The types of accommodation for your request are as follows:

• Tourist Chalet (Full)
• Park Cabin Resort Cabins
• Hannans Cabin

REGISTER NOW FOR KALGOORLIE 2011

In the FORMS menu to the left or on the HOME page you will notice a 2010 Parent/Player application form. Early registration will ensure that parents get the most suitable accommodation for their needs. All accommodation is on a first in first served basis so the earlier that you register ensures that you get the most suitable accommodation for your stay in Kalgoorlie.

If you would like more information or if you may know of a possible sponsor for our 2011 trip away, please contact:

Pat Croll on 9343 0257 or 0418 932 668 or email on ballajurajfc@vianet.net.au.

or Tony Cuzens on 9342 4015 or 0438 905 003 or email on cuzens@westnet.com.au

THE PARENT ACCOMMODATION LIST

This is constantly being updated and all information included. PLEASE NOTE that Kalgoorlie Accommodation Village require a deposit of the first nights accommodation cost paid within 3 weeks (closing date 29 May 10). Unfortunately, accommodation cannot be held if deposits are not paid by the close off date as it may jeopardise the rest of the BJFC booking. Our allocation is now almost full therefore we will not be able to take any more bookings for accommodation 17 May so please make sure that you check the Parent accommodation list (menu to the left) to be sure that your information is correct.

BALLAJURA and GOLDFIELDS LASER CHALLENGE - FUN GUARANTEED.

A special rate of $15 per person for a 3 hour session of Laser Challenge has been arranged for when the Goldfields players visit Perth. As shown on the Goldfields visit to Perth itinerary, the action at Whiteman Park will be after our game on the Sunday afternoon . Three teams (armies) will be put together to fight a round robin challenge for the 3 hour session. IT IS ESSENTIAL that you advise us if you will be joining in as we have to advise exact numbers in the next few days. Complete the 'Laser Challenge form' on the menu to the left then download the parent permission form, complete it and hand it in to your team Manager.

ALL UNDER 12's FIRST KALGOORLIE TRAINING

(starting date to be advised shortly) will be running every Monday between 5.30 and 6.30. It is important for all players involved in the Kalgoorlie and Merredin games to attend Kalgoorlie trainings.

Please complete the Player Parent application form (in the menu to the left). If you are using this form to make an amendment to details already forwarded to the club, please show 'AMENDMENT' in the comments box on the form. NOTE - After submitting the form you will be redirected back to this page. You will also receive an email advising that your information has been sent successfully.

MINING HALL OF FAME TOUR (HANNAN'S NORTH TOURIST MINE) Sunday morning tour

We will hopefully be able to confirm shortly a group cost for our Tour of the mine site and museum for the Sunday morning in Kalgoorlie. It is anticipated that the cost will be the same as last year, $12 per person (adult or child). This is a fantastic special deal for our club as the prices normally are $30 per adult and $15 per child. Arrangement will be made to collect the cost prior to arriving at the mine, first to bulk pay the entrance fee making it easier to enter without queuing, and second to make sure that our whole group enter at the discount price. Remember, when advising the club of the number of adults and children wanting to do the tour, DO NOT include any players, as the cost for all our under 12's players is covered in the Kalgoorlie fund raising.

The story of our association with the Goldfields.......... read more.........

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Club camps participation form is youR ticket onto the bus and must be completed and handed in before you will be allowed to board the bus. See FORMS in the menu to the left.

INCLUDED FOR ALL PLAYERS

All meals which includes a can of drink and/or Milo with every meal. Kalgoorlie mine tour.

SPENDING MONEY:

None necessary however, a club canteen will be in operation throughout the trip away, on the bus, in Merredin and in Kalgoorlie selling drinks, lollies and other confectionary items at cost prices if required.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

• CLUB KALGOORLIE 2010 SHIRT, JACKET, BAG, ETC Please do not wear your club clothes until Friday just before we arrive in Kalgoorlie. If they are worn from Thursday morning. they will be dirty before we actually need them in Kalgoorlie
• SLEEPING BAG (PLUS BLANKET IF REQUIRED) AND PILLOW. In Kalgoorlie if you don't want to sleep in your sleeping bag, you may prefer the 'comforts of home' so bring sheets and a pillow slip.
• THONGS are a good idea for - to and from the shower and around the canteen and dorms.
• FOOTY BOOTS, SOCKS AND SHORTS Team jumpers will be provided for each game so DO NOT bring your club jumper.
• BATHERS FOR THE POOL
• PACK 2 TOWELS – 1 for swimming, the other for use for a shower
• PLASTIC BAGS for dirty or wet clothes
• TORCH (Optional)

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CLOTHES AND OTHER ITEMS HAVE YOUR NAME OR INITIALS MARKED ON THEM.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• DO NOT BRING CHEWING OR BUBBLE GUM
• DO NOT BRING ITEMS CONSIDERED DANGEROUS OR A NUISANCE TO OTHER PEOPLE (IE: KNIFE etc)
• DO NOT BRING VALUABLES AS WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF THEY GO MISSING. If you have any money or valuables, hand it/them to Pat Croll or Tony Cuzens for safe keeping throughout the trip. You will always be able to access it .

SOME BASIC RULES

• All players should be aware of the Club by laws in regards to Club arranged camps and excursions. These can be found in the club website and on the reverse side of the club participation form.
• ALL PLAYERS are expected to participate in ALL arranged activities.
• Everyone helps in cleaning up during and at the end of the camp in Kalgoorlie plus assisting in washing up.
• Bad behaviour and/or bad language will be dealt with locally and, if continues, may result in a report to the committee of the club. Bullying is severely dealt with as the object of the weekend is for everyone to have fun without anyone spoiling the enjoyment for anyone else.
• DO NOT throw lollies around on the bus or in the sleeping accommodations. Jellies have to be scraped off the floors, seats or out of carpets. THE OFFENDERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING UP THEIR MESS
• A qualified club First Aider attends all camps and excursions therefore do not leave cuts, bruises or any other injuries unattended.
• FINAL RULE -- HAVE FUN

HOW IT BEGAN AND THROUGH THE YEARS

All junior clubs in the metro and country area have always been aligned to each of the WAFL clubs, thereby any talented player playing in a junior club in a WAFL clubs assigned district can automatically be recruited to play for their parent WAFL club only. If a junior, turning senior player wishes to play for another WAFL club then they must first apply for clearance from their parent club. This order of hierarchy is still in place today.

With this in mind, from the first day a Ballajura player stepped on a footy field in 1985 until the end of the 1995 season Ballajura was 'under the wing' of East Perth Football Club, as were most clubs in the northern Central District. Claremont, Scarborough, City Beach were in Subiaco district; Whitfords, Warwick, Sorrento, Kingsley were aligned to West Perth district and so on and so forth. East Perth FC's country zone included the South West and the Lower South West. In 1988 Ballajura set up a billeting, away and home game arrangement with the Busselton Junior Football Club similar to our arrangements today with Kalgoorlie, however at that time as we were a considerably much smaller club so, departed on Friday night returning Sunday afternoon we took away all of our 13's, 15's and 17's to Busselton for games.

During the 'off season' 1995/1996, the Football Development Trust, together with the WAFL Clubs (then WESTAR) decided that, because of large numbers of juniors in some regions and diminishing numbers in other regions, a rezoning of the WAFL catchment areas was necessary. As a result and because of our ever increasing number of playing members, and the fact that Subiaco FC had previously been suffering lack of numbers of teams to form a reasonable competition we were zoned out of the East Perth FC district and into the Subiaco FC 'fold'. Our name of Ballajura ROYALS really went down well as you can imagine, but we 'stuck to our guns' and insisted on keeping our name.

With the change of zones/WAFL Clubs, there also 'endeth' our, what was starting to become a well developed association with Busselton JFC. Then, before the start of our first 1996 season with Subiaco FC, Pat Croll, being President of BJFC at that time, was approached by Subiaco FC to see if we would be interested in hosting the Goldfields District combined under 12's during their visit to Perth. After numerous phone calls and discussions we went one step further and offered to billet the players during their stay and to include a game against a combined Ballajura team. All went well with the weekend being a great success ( even though Ballajura didn't even score a measly point to the Goldfields 10 goals + !!!). Possibly with revenge in mind and Pat Croll imagining that we could do the impossible, we/he suggested to the Goldfields officials that Ballajura should bring a team of 12's for a return game in Kalgoorlie. Immediately we investigated further into the feasibility of the project, together with an offer of almost free use of 2 Mercy College mini buses and the assistance at the Kalgoorlie end of Steve Boyce being the first Goldfields coach, our first trip to Kalgoorlie in 1996 started to take shape.

Point of interest: Among the first Goldfields group of under 12's to visit and be billeted in Ballajura was Jaymie Graham , today a West Coast Eagles player.

Only 24 under 12's players were selected in the first BJFC representative squad and a condition was that all players must be billeted in Kalgoorlie and Peter Bowers, being an under 12's Ballajura coach that year, was appointed as coach for the squad. Departing on the Friday morning with only a few stops along the way, we drove through to Kalgoorlie arriving around 5pm to meet the billeting parents. The total in our group consisted of 7 adults and 24 players and was funded totally by the club. Again, even though coming home on the Sunday after the mine tour with our tails between our legs from suffering another huge defeat, a great weekend was had by all. So much so, immediate plans were put in place for the 1997 season.

In 1997, the arrangements were repeated exactly, including the loses !! Mercy College buses, 24 players all billeting but with an increase to about 12 adult supervisors some travelling by car. The only major down side to our trips, the limit of 24 players and having to go to the combined 12's training knowing that more than half of the kids would be going home in tears after not being, 'one of the chosen few' who were selected in the squad.

1998 - Although the trips to Kalgoorlie had so far gone very smoothly, we suffered a bit of a set back with Mercy College suddenly deciding that they didn't want their buses doing country trips other than for their own school arranged excursions. This was then to add at least $1,600 in bus hire alone to the trip away putting the future of our Goldfields arrangement in jeopardy. The Club committee met and a suggestion was tabled and favourably decided on to purchase our own bus. Through Rob Elvish, already a long standing committee member coaxing DVG (then Galleria Toyota) in Morley, they agreed to sponsor the purchase of our first bus. At a total cost of $6,000 from the Infant Jesus Primary School in Morley, Ballajura Junior Football Club became mobile with a 1979 Hino 48 seater, ex MTT bus. Apart from the fact that with no power steering you literally had to stand up to turn the wheel, a 3 point turn required 2 rest breaks and a maximum speed of 75k's flat tack, the bus put a whole new perspective on a club providing for it's members both on and off the field. Pre season beach runs every Sunday, free transport for end of season trips and functions, fund raising events like Spring In The Valley, even providing an almost door to door service for a fare to and from club functions thereby avoiding drink driving. But more importantly, a saving of big dollars on our future 12's trips to Kalgoorlie

For that 1998 trip we decided that the bus was not as young as we would have desired and therefore, considered leaving the day before (Thursday) and finding somewhere to camp over about half way. First we looked at farm barns ..-.. too many mice and rats, Scout Halls ..-.. in Cunderdin or Tammin, I don't think so. After contacting Merredin Shire Council for suggestions we were put in contact with the President of Nukarni Football Club, Marty Major who very kindly offered us the use of their club rooms which were carpeted, had a wood heater *, plus canteen kitchen to make our stay self catering. However, leaving on the Thursday with the extra dinner and breakfast for now 26 kids and about 12 adults, all involved extra cost so, for the first time parents of the 26 boys were asked to assist in raising funds for the trip away. This went well, in no time at all we were able to find sponsors to assist with covering the cost of the trip away.

By now, at the first committee meeting of the year, we had reached the point on discussing when and how the Goldfields visit and trip away was going to take place that season, rather than 'if' it was going to happen. However, another spanner in the works ..-.. the 1998 Committee came up with the idea that the coaches sons and as a reward for parents on the committee, that committee members sons should be automatically selected in the team to go to Kalgoorlie. Unfortunately, this was voted on and passed - end result, another humiliating loss !!! However that year we had a convoy (of 3 cars) of parent supports deciding to make the trip but again, ALL players were billeted.

1999 and only making a few slight adjustments, like extra heaters in the Nukarni Club rooms having defrosted 25 icicles in the morning in Merredin the previous year, allowing more time for sitting on 70 to 75k's per hour all the way in the HINO, yet another great trip but again unsuccessful year on the field against Goldfields in Ballajura and in Kalgoorlie, however, scores were getting closer !!!

2000, the new millennium also brought about a new record in the club. In the previous years the Goldfields team had been sponsored by the RAC in Kal., and always arrived at Ballajura looking great in their matching full track suits, hats and bags. This year (2000), as with the previous year, we envisaged arriving in our 1979 bus, having slept in and not having changed our clothes for 2 days, and looking like we were about to lose - yet again. So through fund raising and sponsors we managed to cover the costs and provide at least track club jackets for the team. The concept of coaches sons and committee members sons given first positions in the team was dropped and the best 25 players were again selected.

Under coach Mil Prieato, Ballajura not only won in Ballajura but beat the Goldfields team on Boulder Oval (home of Mines Diorites and Boulder Tigers) in a very close hard fought game. Our wins and more competitiveness not only sparked new interest both in the Goldfields Clubs and in our Club but it ensured that the competition would continue for many years to come.

Now with more long term plans to consider and with the huge assistance of a parent and club sponsor Darren Smith from Smith Broughton and Sons, a company who handle the auctioning of not only plant machinery but also ex MTT buses, in early 2001, a more up to date Mercedes 305 (1986) bus was donated by Smith Broughton and Sons.

Our first trip in our new bus............ power steering, air ride drivers seat, feeling a million dollars............ exactly half way between Perth and Kalgoorlie, 64ks east of Merredin, with Don Heise driving I might add (!) the bottom end blew out of the motor bringing us to a grinding halt.

That year (2001) with 30 kids (8 not playing but just along for the ride) and 6 adults on the bus, we were going nowhere. For the first time we experienced what breaking down in the middle of the bush with 30 x 12 year olds and the amount of patience required is all about. As we were only a little over 1 hour away from our usual lunch spot east of Southern Cross, and having a bar-b-que plate on board, without a word to anyone, Lloyd Lockhart the coach that year arranged a circle of rocks, fire and the plate and cooked our lunch as though it was a normal break in our itinerary. In the mean time Don Heise had hitched a ride with a police car back to Merredin and had arranged a school bus to transport the kids on to Kalgoorlie. Believe it or not, our players were only 5 minutes late arriving to meet the billets in Kalgoorlie.

Our 2001 trip to Kalgoorlie was a high expense to the club. The small school bus which sufficed to get the boys to Kalgoorlie charged us $1,300 one way!! Plus, the bus had to be towed back to Perth @ $1,200 then, as we had no transport to return home, we returned with most of the players and officials on the Prospector train. Luckily the number of families travelling to Kalgoorlie to support the team had increased greatly from the earlier years therefore cars were filled in an attempt to reduce the cost.

We found out later that the bus was designed for city running with a maximum speed for the differential of 80k's, sitting on 95k's as we were obviously put too much strain on the motor. Incidentally our bus today now has a converted differential and is capable of sitting on 100ks all day towing a loaded trailer without any worry.

Transport around Kalgoorlie was another problem easily overcome with the assistance of the Kalgoorlie organisers/coaches Rick Dingle and Ray Collis. On arrival we were very kindly provided with a similar Mercedes 305 but this one was used for fishing trips with a large chest fridge fully stocked to the brim (no not fish) with beer. In the rear of the bus it had a gents urinal (probably installed after the beer fridge) and the bus came with full instructions - "Help yourself"!!!

On our return to Perth our mechanic, Phil Cooper who we have used since the purchase of our first bus and has always charged us the absolute minimum for work done, suggested we buy a second bus to strip for a motor and parts. This we did and has since proved invaluable advise.

I forgot to add that the Goldfields won in Ballajura however we had our second win in Kalgoorlie.

At the start of the 2002 season, to our surprise, our club was presented with an unusual trophy. One of the parents, Peter Dickenson who was on the bus for our previous breakdown experience, saved a large chunk of the crank case (motor casing) which had been pushed out by a piston, then through the summer had had it chromed and mounted on timber as a trophy. This has now become not only an important part of the club and Goldfields association history but also a valued perpetual trophy played for every year.

Fund raising by now had come to be expected by all involved with the Kalgoorlie trip away. The team for the first time were provided with full tracksuits, hats and travel bags.

We learn by experience; allowing the players to wear their tracksuits from departure on the Friday morning from Merredin, followed by the lunch break at the bar-b-que area east of Southern Cross proved fatal. As there are large gravel piles in the bar-b-que area used for road maintenance, the same as honey to a bee, they are a great attraction for 12 year old boys. Hence, pushing through to Kalgoorlie earlier than intended and about 10 players sitting in their jocks on the bus while their pants were being stitched by a seamstress in Kalgoorlie before meeting the billets. Since then, tracksuits are not worn until we are ready to leave the lunch venue. All part of the Kalgoorlie experience!!

With 2003 came change once again. For reasons known only to the powers at be in the WAFL and Football Development, the zones were once again were under review and Ballajura was rezoned back to East Perth FC district. With our association with the Goldfields by now in its 7th year of operation and fine tuned to run as smoothly as it can run with 30 sometimes unpredictable 12 year olds (!), despite pressure from East Perth and Subiaco to end our association, neither the Goldfields or our club were prepared to bend to their requests.

For 2003 and 2004 our visit by the Goldfields and return trips continued with a team of 25 players, more 12's along for the ride, a larger contingency of parents in cars every year, leaving Thursday returning Sunday, but still the sometimes heartbreaking experience of team selection and disappointment before the trip.

That is until 2005. 'Why hadn't we thought of it before?' By including a game in Merredin, plus an extra game in Kalgoorlie we could take ALL 40+ under 12's players.

• Funds not a problem as there are always willing sponsors and other means of raising funds, just a little more effort needed.
• We have a 42 seater bus, smaller players fit easily 3 to a seat (legally) if we have more than 42.
• More parents travelling - higher safety factor in case of breakdown.
• All players will get 2 games of footy either in Ballajura against the Goldfields, in Merredin and the two games in Kalgoorlie.
• Kalgoorlie say "bring it on" we can billet as many players as you can bring up and welcome the 2 game concept.
• We also must keep in mind that a strong team is required to play in Ballajura and the second game in Kalgoorlie as the Goldfields teams are made up of the best 12 year old players from all of their Goldfields clubs.
• But most of all and the biggest benefit - no tears or disappointment through not being able to go at all

A few phone calls, a little redesigning and presenting a strong case to the committee of our club that we needed to take ALL 12's players to make up two teams to cover all games, then everything was in place. Initially we made a charge of $100 per player but by the time the 'fund raising committee' had finished not only did all of the kids have tracksuits, hats and bags and the trip cost covered completely, but also the $100 was refunded to every parent. The trip was a huge success. I can't remember if we won or lost the games , just that every player in the Ballajura under 12's was an overall winner that year.

To me, 2005 was the best year so far and will take a lot of beating.

2006 and 2007 around 45 players travelled each year with with the Merredin JFC link becoming stronger each year now including a social sausage sizzle before the game with the Merredin players and parents. After 11 years we have obviously fine tuned the operation from both the Kalgoorlie and Ballajura ends, ironed out any foreseeable problems and streamlined to be almost like clockwork

2008 - we can boast that at the return of this years trip away, we have taken in excess of 450 x 12 year olds over the 13 years of operation on not only a sporting, but educational weekend away. With close to 80% overall having been billeted without a single problem, many new friendships have been bonded, club comradely developed, all having exposure to higher skill levels in football, but the most important fact - 'have had fun doing it'.

2009 - Major changes faced us before plans were put in place for the 2009 Competition. For just reasons, after a Kalgoorlie junior basketball coach was convicted for indecent dealings, the Goldfields Junior Football Association decided that billeting of children with families would cease immediately. This created a problem not only for our trip away but also for the Goldfields visit to Ballajura.  We first approached the City of Swan to ask for the use of Kingfisher club rooms to 'house' the visitors over the weekend but were refused, therefore accommodation was then booked by the Goldfields at the Ern Halliday Centre at Hillarys.  A considerable amount of additional planning and catering was needed including entertainment for the kids for the entire weekend where in the past the majority of time was spent with their billets.

Our return trip to Merredin and Kalgoorlie was very much a trial and error trip away deapring as usual on the Thursday morning, game and overnight in Merredin then on to Kalgoorlie on Friday.  The Goldfields had arranged for our use of the Boulder Tigers Club rooms for our stay and almost totally catered for all of our players meals and entertainment for the entire weekend until we left for Perth on the Sunday. The weekend went extremely well but unfortunately the boys found spending 3 nights sleeping on the club room floors a little too uncomfortable and the lack of sleep showed during their games on the Saturday morning when we lost the game by a large margin and the Golfields winning the trophy again.

A new concept for the awarding of the perpetual trophy was also introduced at the start of 2009. Until then the trophy was won by the winning team adter the Goldfields visit to Ballajura, then won again by the winner of the second game only in Kalgoorlie, hence 2 plates on the trophy for each year.  It has now been adopted that the scores are totalled for all three Ballajura v Goldfields games and the overall winner of the years competition wins the trophy.  This now makes every game equal importance however it also means that even though we may win the first 2 games, if we were to lose the 3rd game with a low score then we could also still lose the competition.

2010 -

Pat Croll.

THINGS WE HAVE LEARNT AND SOME MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES 

• Scraping ice off the windscreen of the bus on the Friday morning in Merredin before hitting the road.
• Taking the the Goldfields visiting team to the station for their return home to Kalgoorlie only to find that the coaches had not arrived. Don Heise (then BJFC President) was on board the train to accompany the boys home and return on the afternoon train. Then less than a minute before the train pulled out the coaches ran down the platform only just in time
• Again taking the Goldfields players to the train only to find that they had been booked on the wrong day. Changing the booking to the afternoon a good day was spent by all at Hillarys with Red Rooster for lunch.
• Learning how to improvise when broken down on the side of the road.
• Now knowing not to stop for a toilet break on the side of the road near an electrified fence!!
• Rhys Turner volunteering to umpire the Merredin game then breaking his arm only 5 minutes into the game.
• Going to get a bag from the bus when it was parked up in Kalgoorlie only to catch 2 players not billeting hanging over the back fence of 'house of disrepute' on Hay Street.
• Travel sickness is not just in the mind - it can be quite physical as well.
• Arriving into Kal filthy dirty after 2 days on the dusty road on a particularly freezing cold weekend only to find that the hotel was under renovation and there would be no hot water for the entire weekend.
• The surprise during the 2007 trophy presentations that the Goldfields (Nadia Turner) had introduced a Pat Croll Medallion award into the competition.  First winner: JAMIE McEWEN (BJFC-2007)
•  Driving into Merredin and Kalgoorlie with Merredin spelt incorrectly on the side of the bus (photo).
• More care needs to be taken where to store the fire extinguisher on the bus. It is no fun for the driver when it is set off by accident almost under his nose while cruising at 90ks an hour.
• Unfinished............ more to come

Through the years...........

• Parent/Player application form
• Club Participation Form
• Laser Challenge Form

testing this newsletter

Welcome to our first online issue. 

You can find full versions of all the information by clicking on the lnks below

Ballajura Junior Football Club

25th Anniversary

Formal ‘Blue & Black’ Dinner/Dance

To be held on Saturday 19 June 2010

At the Chesterfield Function Centre

Rear of the Northwood Ale House, Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka

$50 per ticket

Includes a 3 course meal ~ beer, wine & soft drink

Live music ~ Fantastic door & raffle prizes

Limited ticket sales ~ Strictly pre-sales only ~ No B.Y.O.

Tickets available from:

* Colette Atkin-Smith 9249 3632
* Kylie Cross 9249 1624
* Belinda Goddard 9249 6182
* Leanne Power 9249 5763

OR

Order (With Payment) from your Team Manager
 

This weeks feature game shots if from...

Congratulations to the following players

50 Games

Isacc Moran	13's Black

100 Games

East Perth are looking for players (13's to 17's) who are interested in earning some money on a Saturday morning. Umpiring the younger age groups is not just about the dollars, it has many other advantages such as gaining that additional fitness to help you further improve your game on Sundays and seeing the game from the umpires point of view thereby gaining a better understanding of how decisions are made.

If you are interested, contact the club (click here) or simply turn up at the umpires training night every Wednesday at 5.30 at Light Street Reserve, Dianella and speak to the East Perth Umpires Coordinator Terry Neilson.

During season 2009 unfortunately Ballajura missed out on seeing ROWAN BROOKES in our under 17's home and away games as Rowan was selected in East Perth Colts and spent most of 2009 with East Perth. Again, before the start of the 2010 season Rowan is already finding success by being selected first in the East Perth League squad for a pre season game and now back with EP Colts and already, Rowan is receiving recognition being best on ground in last weeks game.
And now the news which does not come as any surprise, Rowan has now been confirmed as selected in the WA STATE 18's SQUAD for 2010 with the first game in Colonial Stadium, Melbourne with further games in NSW and South Australia.

Rowan, and the Brookes family have been with the club for many years with all three brothers Mitchell, Rowan and Sam starting in Ballajura Auskick and have never missed a season with the club. Father Jeff Brookes is now in his third year as President of Ballajura which takes up a lot of his time when we know he would love to be down watching his sons.

CONGRATULATIONS ROWAN and all at Ballajura will be watching your season with great interest.

A better photo of Rowan will be added shortly and, I am sure, if you print a copy Rowan will be only too pleased to sign a personal copy for you!!!

View all the images from the Year 4 Carnival

Congratulations to:
Jenny Caporn (Balla Canteen) and Adele Lilwall (16's Balla) each of the $100 boards
Lorraine Cavanach (12's Blue) - Freddo's
Jelly Bean Count - Jill Walker (Ellenbrook Dockers)

A major raffle will be circulating all ovals in the next few weeks with a trailer load of great prizes to be won so save the loose change to be in it for a chance to win while at the same time helping the 12's raise the funds for their trip away.

this is a test of a newsletter

Pre trip fund raising

Please see below our fantastic sponsors who have gotten on board for the 2010 year.

Please see the attached e-point ladder documents.

The pre season camp will be to Camp Bickley. Designed as a team and confidence building weekend it is open to all the under 13's and 14's however, due to the limited number of beds at the accommodation we can only guarantee the first 50 players to register will be confirmed as going.  We will continue the list over 50 should any players decide that they are unable to go after putting their name down.

Departing Kingfisher on Friday afternoon 8th of April returning Sunday afternoon 10th of April 2011 the camp includes:

• High ropes Course (for those who dare!!!)
• Raft Building
• Canoeing
• Swimming
• Fun games
• All meals
• Dorm accommodation
• Camp fire
• and, of course, travel by club bus.

We have now been operating these camps for the 13's and 14's for the past 12 years and they have proved to be very successful in preparing players for the coming season.  So far the fund raising has gone well for the camp so at this stage, before any more fund raising we expect the camp cost to be approximately $70 per player, hopefully with a little more work we can reduce this cost again considerably.

You can put your name down by completing the online Application form (click here) and your name will be added to the list as going.  If you would like to know more details call or email Pat Croll.

13's and 14's 2011 Pre Season Camp to Bickley Recreation Camp Application Form.  Please complete all areas of the form and check within 24 hours to make sure your name is on the participation list.

Under 13's and 14's 2011 Pre Season Camp application form

Modified Rules Trophy Day for 9's to 12's will be at Kingfisher Oval on Saturday the 28th of August commencing at 2.30pm until 5pm.  This year the presentations will include the Ballajura/Goldfields Trophy which was won by our under 12's after games against the Goldfields in Ballajura and Kalgoorlie.  A bar will be open after the close of the the Trophy Day

The Full Rules Trophy Day will be held at the Herb Graham Centre in Mirrabooka commencing with a light supper at 7pm before the trophy presentations start at 7.40pm.

This form must only be completed by a parent or guardian.

Congratulations to 13's Black with a solid win over 13's Blue also to 15's Black after a great game of footy ending in a closer win over 15's Blue.  Unfortunately our under 14's Blue lost the first round against Noranda but all, 13's Blue, 15's Blue and 14's Blue play  next week in Morley in the 2nd Semi Elimination round.

Our 16's also were defeated in Belmont this afternoon by South Perth so they too will be playing again next week at a venue to be announced shortly. 

Finals Venues – Dates and Times

13’s Competition 
 

2nd Semi Final 29th August 1st Vs Winner QF RA Cooke Reserve 1 9.15am

1st Semi Final 29th August Loser QF Vs Winner EF RA Cooke Reserve 2 9.15am 
 

Preliminary Final 5th September Loser SF2 Vs Winner SF1 Houghton Reserve 9.15am 
 

Grand Final 12th September Winner SF2 Vs Winner PF Medibank Stadium 9.15am 
 
 
 

14’s Competition 
 

2nd Semi Final 29th August 1st Vs Winner QF RA Cooke Reserve 1 11.00am

1st Semi Final 29th August Loser QF Vs Winner EF RA Cooke Reserve 2 11.00am 
 

Preliminary Final 5th September Loser SF2 Vs Winner SF1 Houghton Reserve 11.00am 
 

Grand Final 12th September Winner SF2 Vs Winner PF Medibank Stadium 11.00am 

15’s Competition 
 

2nd Semi Final 29th August 1st Vs Winner QF R.A. Cooke Reserve 1 1.00pm

1st Semi Final 29th August Loser QF Vs Winner EF R.A. Cooke Reserve 2 1.00pm 
 

Preliminary Final 5th September Loser SF2 Vs Winner SF1 Houghton Reserve 1.00pm 
 

Grand Final 12th September Winner SF2 Vs Winner PF Medibank Stadium 1.00pm 
 

16’s Competition 
 

Elimination Final 22nd August Thornlie vs Vic Park Queens Park (Treasure RD) 12.00pm 
 

2nd Semi Final 29th August 1st Vs Winner QF Perth District TBA 12.00pm

1st Semi Final 29th August Loser QF Vs Winner EF Perth District TBA 12.00pm 
 

Preliminary Final 5th September Loser SF2 Vs Winner SF1 Perth District TBA 12.00pm 
 

Grand Final 12th September Winner SF2 Vs Winner PF  TBA 12.00pm 
 
 
 

FINALS VENUE ADDRESSES

East Perth District

Lightning Park   Entrance of Reid Hwy     Noranda

R.A. Cooke Reserve:  Morley JFC; Coode Street    Bedford

Houghton Reserve   Purley St (Entrance of Grey St)    Bayswater

Medibank Stadium   Entrance Loftus St & Vincent St   Leederville 
 

Perth District 
 

Queens Park              Treasure Road in Cannington      Queens Park

Gosnells             Gay Street Huntingdale    Gosnells 
 

GOOD LUCK to all players and Coaches