The Swans are searching for players to help fill their roster to compete in the inaugural Kyabram District League under-14s competition.
    
                  
                                                                
                  
                                            
                              
        The club has revealed that memberships will be free for the inaugural year, while players will receive shorts, socks and a football jumper provided by the club.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Avenel is one of 10 clubs in the KDL which have indicated their desire to field a side in the upcoming junior non-gender grade.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Players who are aged 14 by December 31 of the preceding season and players aged nine as of January 1 are eligible to participate.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Avenel junior development co-ordinator Adrian Pendlebury encouraged any teenagers without a club or who were hoping to kick-start their football journeys to head to the Swans.
    
                  
                                                                
                      
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “Juniors play a vital role in ensuring the survival and longevity of local sporting organisations ... we want to try and initiate junior footy again and give kids in our community a place where they feel welcomed,” he said.
    
                  
                                                                
                  
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “We want to provide a safe and inclusive environment for the teenagers in the community.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “Players will receive free memberships and the club will provide playing shorts, socks and a jumper.”
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        The club is also fielding expressions of interest for an under-14s coach.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Pendlebury revealed the club would host a family day on March 19 to welcome any new faces.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        A training session is planned to take place as well for the under-14s.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Pendlebury, who has recently moved to the area, said he understood the important role of having a junior side for regional sporting clubs.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “Avenel’s cricket club fields two under-13 teams and we would love to try and emulate those numbers and field a side this year,” he said.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “This isn’t just for this year, we want to see Avenel field an under-14s side for many years to come and the flow-on affect that will have for the club is a enormous.”
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Anyone interested in joining the Swans’ under-14s program is encouraged to phone Pendlebury on 0437 999 564 or email adrian.Pendlebury001@gmail.com