The cost of junior football
I’ve been appalled at the fees charged for not only spectators but the junior players involved in the finals footy.
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My son played throughout the finals series this season and we needed to find the money for not only us as parents to watch our son play, but for him to play as well.
As if the finals could go on without the players on the field!
Throughout the finals I couldn't stop thinking about how much stress this must cause to under-privileged families who cant afford these ridiculous charges and have to, like we did, consider who would be able to watch because all of us going wasn't possible.
The fact that younger siblings weren't able to watch their brother and be proud and inspired by his and her team’s achievements throughout the season and then to finally win the grand final really breaks my heart.
If this isn't a prime example of forgetting what the real priorities are in regards to junior sport participation I don't know what would be.
At the first final my ex-partner was made to wait with two twins (6 months old), a 5-year old, a 10-year-old and my son who was playing in 30 mins at the gate until her partner could come down and pay because she didn't have enough money and there was no card facilities available.
I couldn't figure out which part of this situation I was most uncomfortable with, my son freaking because he was going to be late for his coach or the embarrassment caused to his mum.
I’ve been involved with junior sport as a coach and player and fully understand that these things don't run themselves and of course am happy to pay to have my children participate, but this underhanded approach to raising money is not a way that think I’d be endorsing.
On that note coaches and other volunteers were also charged a gate fee which isn't much of a thank you for their sacrifice throughout the year and if I have to pay more registration at the start of the season so they can enter for free id be more than happy to do so.
We weren't made aware at the stage where we committed to a season of football that if they were successful enough to make the finals we'd be slugged every week for the privilege.
I know I'm not alone in the way I feel about this situation and would be delighted to see this change.
Jock Maule, Golden Point.
Bus Timetables are Problematic.
The bus departure times on time tables which are displayed at the railway station sometimes don’t match up. Often buses leave Ararat Street in a line at the same time to pick up at the station. Needless to say, the last bus in the line is already going to be late, before it starts its journey.
The routes which are travelled and traffic are also factors which cause delay.
If you want to go out at night, there’s no buses.
In March I went to the buskers festival in town which concluded at 7pm. The last bus left Myer at 6.46pm so there was no bus home.
I know many people who don’t use buses because of poor timetables. If you feel the same frustration, don’t abuse the drivers. Instead, contact PTV and your local parliamentarian.
I believe PTV need to travel on these buses; it’s no good sitting in an office working out timetables.
Joan Elsey, Ballarat.