AFL Goulburn Murray and AFL Central Victoria are joining forces to launch a women’s senior League in 2017.
On the back of unprecedented growth of female football and the launch of the AFL Womens League next February the two Commissions are keen to build on local successes and offer a participation opportunity for local women.
AFL Central Victoria Football Development Manager Tony McNamara views the League as result of market demand.
"Youth Girls in the BJFL has grown from three to ten teams over the past four years and there is a strong interest for girls graduating from the Youth Girls comp to continue their playing career."
"The formation of a local women’s League continues the development of female football and is a strategic focus for both Commissions."
"A local senior league is a key step in our female player pathway from Auskick to Youth Girls to senior football and ultimately providing a feeder for our best talent to the National league."
AFL Goulburn Murray Football Development Manager Trevor Mellington sees the League as building on the successful outcomes provided by local opportunities.
"In the SDJFL the Youth Girls has grown from one team who travelled to Bendigo every second week four years ago to the five team competition with more growth expected next year."
"The formation of the Finley Youth Girls team in the second half of this season is further evidence of the importance of marketing the game locally and providing a relevant playing opportunity."
AFL Goulburn Murray Region General Manager Martin Gleeson is excited at the new opportunity.
"Following the success of the Shepparton Womens team this season the next logical step was to broaden the reach and to introduce a more regional open age competition" he said.
"One of the biggest hurdles in player recruitment is having to travel to Melbourne every second week to compete and in this competition women will be able to play locally thus continuing participation growth and providing a more accessible playing opportunity."
"The competition will be managed by a joint Committee of Management comprising of representatives from the two Commissions."
"The competition will be participation focused offering a playing opportunity for women of all abilities with the potential for exciting double headers, links to Youth Girls and senior men’s games."
"There are already half a dozen clubs who have shown interest in joining the League and we are now opening a timeframe for all interested clubs to formally complete an Expression of Interest."
"Expression of Interest packs are available from the AFL Central Victoria and AFL Goulburn Murray offices."
"Clubs who want to be part of this exciting new venture will be able to formally submit an Expression of Interest before the closing date of 31 January 2017 after which successful clubs will be notified and the draw developed."
"The competition will commence in May with a home and away format leading to a finals series in August."
Last Modified on 03/11/2016 13:29