ONE BATTLE OVER — NOW FOR THE GAMES

THE Geelong sporting community has rallied behind one of its most promising female athletes, digging deep to fund Temikka Beeston’s opportunity of a lifetime. The 19-year-old Clifton Springs athlete, pictured, departs for Canada tomorrow where she will represent her country at the IFAF Women’s Gridiron World Championships. Just three years after taking up the American sport, the Deakin University student will play wide receiver in the inaugural Australian Outback Women’s National Gridiron team. Although it was an honour to be selected, players are expected to cover their own costs for travel, accommodation, meals and uniforms, estimated at around $7000.

Like many teammates, Beeston created a GoFundMe page.

“It was something I was worried about from the start,” she said.

“I was looking to raise half of it but everyone has been so generous and supportive. The page raised $1470 and I did a lot of other fundraising with the Portarlington and Drysdale football clubs and my Geelong Buccaneers team, so we’ve ended up raising all of the costs.”

The world championships, from June 24-30, will see the US try to win a third crown in a row.

But Beeston, who studies zoology and animal science, is optimistic about her side’s prospects. The team will be coached by legendary American NFL coach Jen Welter.