This year the Victorian Women's Football League (VWFL) celebrates it's 25th anniversary. When the League began in 1981 there were four teams competing in an open age competition. The League has developed significantly since the ball was first bounced 25 years ago and in 2005 the competition has three playing divisions. There are 25 teams, representing 20 clubs. The teams are spread all over Metropolitan Melbourne, with the country centres also being represented by teams from Ballarat and Geelong. Almost 1000 women pull on a guernsey every weekend to participate in this rapidly growing sport.
Since 1993 there has been a 215% increase in the number of registered players in the VWFL. In the last three years the League has expanded two fold, from being a one division league to becoming a three division competition.
Australian rules football is becoming more and more popular with women and girls, particularly young women. With 22 years being the average age of the VWFL, young women are now recognising that footy can become a part of their sporting life.
They no longer have to be a spectator, the VWFL gives them the opportunity to pull on the boots and have a kick just like their AFL idols. The VWFL gives women the opportunity to participate, socialise and develop skills and learn from experiences that provide us with a physically healthy lifestyle.
The VWFL has expanded to four divisions in it's 25th anniversary year with 26 registered teams.
Last Modified on 01/03/2009 23:28
