Aussie Rules Footy Returns To Manotick May 14
Australian Football, also known as footy, returns to Manotick at the Ottawa Polo Club on May 14th with the 2022 Pony Platter.
The annual Men’s and Women’s games have traditionally served as a preseason match between the Ottawa Swans and the Quebec Saints. This year’s tournament will welcome the Nova Scotia Lions for the first time.
After a difficult two years where opportunities to play were limited by the pandemic, local players are looking forward to hitting the field again this summer.
“It’s been challenging for us to keep building the sport when we haven’t been able to play regular games,” said Swans President and Women’s Head Coach Yaser Elenein. “We’re really excited to welcome Quebec and Nova Scotia to Manotick and continue to grow footy across Eastern Canada.”
Despite the challenges, the Swans have found new and creative ways to introduce people to the sport.
Last year, the club introduced AusKick, the first junior program aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 12. Following a successful round of sessions last fall, this year’s program will be expanded to serve youth in both the east and west ends of Ottawa.
The club has also worked hard to keep players engaged by hosting regular training sessions, club events, and social nights. They even managed to host a Men’s and Women’s game against Quebec late last summer.
“The footy community is unlike any other,” Men’s Head Coach Greg Bridges explained. “From the volunteers and supporters to the players themselves, there’s an incredible passion for the game.”
The Ottawa Swans play games in Manotick throughout the summer, and anyone is welcome to try the sport or come and watch. To learn more, follow the Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club on social media or at www.ottawaswans.com.
Roman Romanovich photo/Ottawa Swans
