FED up with football or out of love with rugby league?

Now there’s an alternative for have-a-go-heroes in Huddersfield.

The sport of Aussie Rules football is growing rapidly and Huddersfield is leading the way.

The sport combines the skills of soccer, rugby league, basketball and Gaelic football into a lung-busting nine-a-side game which originated Down Under.

Huddersfield has its own club – Huddersfield Rams – which competes in the Central & North England League with a 10-match season which runs from April to July.

And the Rams put on a special open taster sessions at Greenhead Park and Lockwood Park for anyone interested in the sport to go and give it a try.

Club coach and team captain Jason Battye said Aussie rules was a brilliant game to play but making that first step was the hardest.

“People look on YouTube and see the big hits and think it’s a really physical sport but that’s not the case,” said Jason, 33.

“The big hits are only 10-15% of the game and if you’re fast and clever there’s no need for much physical contact.

“The game is all about kicking and catching and is quite a cerebral sport. It’s all about reading the game and anticipating what is going to happen.”

Jason, a PE teacher at Rastrick High School, said the biggest obstacle to getting into the sport was simply giving it a go.

“The hardest part is the first step. Lots of lads say they want to give it a go but saying it and doing it are two different things.

“Once they try it they will be addicted.”

Huddersfield Rams were formed in 2008 by Karl Haigh, who saw the sport in Australia and wanted to play it back home. When he found the nearest club was in Manchester he decided to set up his own.

Last year the Rams had 29 players and already this year 20 have signed up.

The club has played for the last four years at Lockwood Park but will switch to Huddersfield YMCA for the new campaign.

The aim of Aussie Rules is to move the ball downfield and kick goals. Players kick, handle and run with the ball but cannot throw it.

Jason said: “The sport is ideal for those who have played full-back in rugby league or goalkeeper in football but anyone can learn the skills needed.”

Seven Rams players have played for England and Jason added: “So many lads in local football could be successful in Aussie Rules.”

Anyone from 16 upwards can play and the Rams’ elder statesman is 41-year-old Antony Brown from Lindley.

Antony, who only took up the game last season, said: “I love the physical aspect and the rough and tumble but there’s a lot of skill involved as well.

“I wish I’d found this game 20 years ago. I’ll keep playing until I drop to bits!”

Two of the first-time recruits were Simon Bowers, 28, of Almondbury, and Michael Brown, 22, of Birkby.

Simon said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I play football on a Saturday and thought I’d give it a go. The style of kicking is very different to what I’m used to.”

Michael added: “It’s actually really good. I used to play rugby but injury put paid to that.

“It’s two-and-a-half years since I’ve played anything seriously but I’ll definitely come back.”