The Ottawa Swans announced earlier this year some exciting changes the Women's team competition for the 2015 season (and beyond).
Starting this year, the Lady Swans will be joining AFL Quebec (AFLQ) to play in their 9-aside Women's league. AFLQ currently have two teams in their women's division and by splitting the Swans' will be able to create a 4 team, 9-aside competition. There will also be 18-aside games scheduled throughout the season between the Ottawa Lady Swans and the Montreal Angels, allowing the Swans to continue to grow as a larger team as well.
While the details of this change are being worked out, the ladies just like the men have started indoor training and are looking forward to a great 2015 season.
Below are some captions from the email sent to inform AFL Ontario (ALFO) of this decision to play in the AFLQ competition:
"The purpose of this email is to inform that the Ottawa Swans AFC Women's team will not be competing in the AFL Ontario (AFLO) Women's competition in 2015. Instead, our Women's team will be joining the AFL Quebec (ALFQ) Women's competition from this season onward."
"The Ottawa Swans AFC is committed to the sustainable and ongoing development of our female athletes by providing maximum opportunities to participate in Australian Rules football in Canada. As such, we feel an obligation to make decisions with the best interests of our players in mind."
"Considerations that were taken into account included: focusing on regional development; reducing the pressure on players in the Women's teams in the Toronto/Hamilton region to travel to play in Ottawa; our strong existing relationship with AFLQ; the relative proximity between Ottawa-Montreal; and ultimately, the potential to expand the Women’s competition proving to be too exciting an opportunity to bypass."
"We would like to coordinate schedules between the AFLO and AFLQ to allow for Toronto and Hamilton players to participate in three 18-aside games planned between the Ottawa Swans and Montreal Angels in Ottawa. We also extend an open invitation for any Toronto and Hamilton players to participate on loan for any regular season AFLQ games."
"The Ottawa Swans AFC would also welcome the opportunity to travel to Toronto for an exhibition game(s) during the 2015 season."
"We hope you understand our decision-making process, and agree that Women's football in Eastern Canada will be strengthened moving forward."
Last Modified on 06/03/2020 06:02