It may only be in the planning stages at the moment but AFL Darling Downs are looking to expand further in 2013 with the possibility of a local women’s competition.
Next season, could be a massive expansion year for AFL on the Downs with the prospect of the Chinchilla SUNS and South Burnett Saints looking to join and now plans for the leagues very own Women’s only competition. Female footy has taken off recently with the region having a number of Youth Girls selected in the Southern Stars Youth Girls Representative team and also in the Under 18 Queensland team.
“It would be fantastic to see, we have so many young ladies wanting to play our great game but currently have to make the trek down to Brisbane to play,” AFLQ Development Officer Jeff Neumann said.
“Warwick Redbacks Cassie Cullen, Kaspar-Lee Hicks and Gabbie Richmond Clay are playing for Mt Gravatt in the u18 SEQ competition and make the trip every second Saturday to play for the Vultures”, Neumann said.
“Add to this the regions very own Queensland representatives who recently returned from the National Championships as runners up; Isabella Baldock, Marnie McGorm and Jade Loch are also travelling fortnightly to play in the same competition but with Coorparoo AFC”
Darling Downs AFL Queensland has proposed a modified/fortnightly competition in 2013 to start with and will expand on it further as it cements its place in the local landscape.
“We are only in the planning stages but it should go ahead in 2013 as a modified competition”, explained Jeff Neumann.
This news of the proposed Women’s AFL competition in 2013 coincides with the AFL Women’s Round this weekend across the country, as the Australian Football League celebrate women’s leadership at all levels of Australia’s Game.
Women in football statistics (nationally):
- Last year, there were more than 94,412 female players involved in NAB AFL Auskick, primary school competitions, youth girls’ competitions and women’s leagues.
- This represents a 29 per cent increase over a 12 month period.
- The start of 26 new junior and youth girls’ competitions attracted more than 5000 new players.
- And there are more than 700 female AFL football umpires - including Chelsea Roffey the first woman to be part of the officiating umpires’ panel on Grand Final day – as well as around 1500 accredited female coaches.
- 42 per cent of the national television viewing audience is female
- 35 per cent of AFL and club members are female, with an increase of 6,551 members last year.
Last Modified on 14/08/2012 12:44
