ANYONE intending to participate in one of Portland’s Hampden Football League junior sides next season is encouraged to attend the come-and-try night and information session next Monday.

With some of the coaching roles changing hands, players and parents can meet the coaches, who will then lead a small training session.

The coaches for 2022 are Justin Impey in under-12s, Alex Sealey in under-14s and Vaughan Hockley and Mark Finck in under-16s.

The session will take place at Hanlon Park at 4.30pm on Monday night, and there will be a barbecue and soft drinks available.

Training is expected to start soon, especially for the under-16s, but exact training dates will be out soon, if not announced on Monday.

The under-12 Hampden side is a new addition to Portland’s roster for the 2022 season, and it is hoped that the side will have a positive impact on not just the Portland FNC, but local football in the district as a whole.

The standard of football is higher than in the Greater South West Junior Football League, and it is hoped the under-12 side will get participating kids used to a higher level at an earlier age.

Portland Football Netball Club junior coordinator Darren Burns is excited about both the under-12 side and the come-and-try night.

“It’s an information night, you can come and meet the coaches, it’s an opportunity for the under-12s to come down and show some intent to come and play, so we can see who’s keen to get involved,” Burns said.

“It’ll also be an opportunity for any parents to come down and have a chat, and we can explain what our intentions are for next season going forward.

“We welcome anyone from anywhere that would like to come and have a go at (Hampden) level.

“It’s a higher standard of footy, and I think we’ve got a good atmosphere down here and we’re trying to get a good vibe in juniors with getting meals and things like that going.”