2018 is set to become an historic year for the Western Region Football League, with the league introducing a senior women’s competition for the first time.
After combining with the Essendon District Football League this year, the WRFL will have a standalone competition next season.
Interest in female football is continuing to rapidly grow in Melbourne’s west, largely due to the trailblazing AFL Women’s competition.
In 2017, the WRFL experienced an outstanding increase in junior girl team numbers. From 10 teams last year to 27 teams, across three different age groups, this year.
A significant number of WRFL clubs have already committed to entering a junior girls team in either of the Under-12, Under-15 or Under-18 age groups in 2018, with some clubs exploring female football for the first time.
The introduction of a standalone senior women’s competition will now give WRFL female footballers a clear pathway from juniors through to seniors.
Twelve WRFL clubs have already flagged an interest in fielding a senior women’s team in 2018.
“The WRFL is committed to working with our clubs to greater expand participation opportunities for females in the west,” WRFL CEO Matthew Duck said.
“We have identified female football as a key strategic item, so we will continue to collaborate with clubs to ensure female football is viable for not just next season, but for many years to come.
“2018 is going to be an exciting year for female football in the west.”
To better support and drive the development of female football, a series of club development workshops will be facilitated over this off-season.
The workshops are all-encompassing and aimed at those within the WRFL community wishing to either introduce female football or enhance their existing program.
Chyloe Kurdas is the primary facilitator of the sessions. Chyloe was formerly AFL Victoria’s Female Football Development Manager, and brings over 15 years of experience in growing female football at grassroots level.
Two sessions have already been held, with the third scheduled for Monday, November 27 at 6.30pm at the Yarraville Club.
That session will focus on building a culture that leads to player retention – identifying and avoiding risk, and learning from existing programs.
If you are interested in attending please click on the link and fill out the registration form to secure your spot: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BR38ZXN
Last Modified on 20/11/2017 12:30