The AFL has released the participation figures for the 2009 season with Queensland breaking the 100,000 mark for the first time.
With the total number reaching 103,358, the 5 percent growth was spread evenly throughout the state with several regional and metropolitan areas showing a total increase of over 20% for the year.
The figures are calculated from the amount of participants who take part in more than six weeks of any particular type of AFL program. In Queensland these include junior, youth, senior, veteran, women’s, NAB AFL Auskick, school and recreational football.
Darling Downs has made a significant contribution with 4,170 locals taking part in organised AFL activities or matches throughout the year.
AFL Queensland CEO Richard Griffiths is particularly pleased with the results of the census, highlighting the Darling Downs region as a key area for the sports’ future.
“It is a fantastic achievement to have over 4,000 participants from what is classified as a regional part of Queensland,” Mr Griffiths said.
“A lot of the credit has to go to the volunteers and supporters at the clubs as well as the hard working AFL Queensland employees in the Darling Downs office.
“It’s very pleasing to know that so many people are trying and enjoying our game.”
The growth in Queensland has been consistent with the Australia wide increase in participation for the year, as traditional AFL states Victoria and Western Australia continue to lead the charge.
Next in total participants is NSW/ACT, with Queensland hot on their heels in fourth. With the increased amount of football to be accessed in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast in the coming years, hopes are high that the return will be seen through the numbers taking part in AFL programs.
“The next few years will go a long way to shaping the continued growth of AFL in Queensland,” said Mr Griffiths.
“We are very excited to see the positive effect that the Gold Coast Football Club will have on the state in the not too distant future.”
Media Contact: Keith Webb
at the Toowoomba AFLQ Office on 07 4632 2994.
Last Modified on 10/03/2010 14:50
