You kick like a girl...good for you! Female participation in AFL is set to reach unprecedented participation levels in the near future, with numerous opportunities for girl’s of all ages to play AFL in Queensland. Mackay boasts a healthy number of female sporting talents, with many trying their hand at AFL throughout the popular Auskick program, school competitions and development level.
Mackay AFL recently hosted the inaugural AFL Primary School Girls Competition held at Harrup Park under lights, which showcased the skills of girls in the region from a variety of different sports. “Experience with AFL is insignificant, we encourage all participants to try AFL as it incorporates many facets of other sports. It’s all about staying physically active, and the girls love it!” Schools from Mackay and wider areas including Sarina, Alligator Creek, Mirani and Glenden competed during the carnival. The Grand Final was held in great spirit during perfect evening conditions on the Harrup Park main oval. Mirani State School and Glenden State School endured a close contest, with the lead changing 3 times in the final stages of the match. Glenden State School were eventual winners by a narrow 8 point margin.
Next term will mark the start of the Mackay’s popular Brisbane Lions Secondary Schools AFL Cup, with nominations open for the Boys and Girls divisions. After last year’s success, the Pioneer SHS Girls and Proserpine SHS Boys will look to defend their 2010 Premiership titles. The winners of each division this year have the chance to represent their school and the Mackay region at the 2012 North QLD Secondary Schools Championships in Cairns, run in conjunction with the GC SUNS v Richmond AFL fixture.
AFL Mackay are hosting a ‘Come and Try Day’ for all potential secondary school girls players, with development staff also selecting U16 players to represent Mackay at the U16 QLD State Championships in Cairns. The come and try day will be held on Wed 5th October at Rogers Oval from 3.45pm. Stay tuned for the introduction of an Open Women’s AFL competition and new AFL 9’s offseason comp in Mackay, with plans to kick-start in the near future. For more information on Ladies football in Mackay, please contact AFL Development staff David Harding on 0420 980 519 or Dion Obst 0424 156 248.
Last Modified on 13/11/2011 15:20