Geelong’s junior football and netball ranks experience ‘unprecedented’ growth

AFL Barwon has seen huge growth of junior players taking up netball and football in recent years, exceeding its expectations.

AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson says junior sport in the Geelong region has seen ‘unprecedented’ growth in recent years. Picture: Supplied

AFL Barwon has reported the growth of boys and girls playing junior and youth football is ‘almost state leading’.

There has been notable growth both in netball and of girls playing football, so the Geelong Addy has documented the smiling and funny faces of more than 140 under-9 football and under-11 netball teams from across the region.

AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson said he had seen pleasing numbers comparing junior football participation in 2023 and 2024.

“In our women's and girls’ space we have a nine per cent year on year growth which is amazing,” he said.

“In our under-9s competition we had a goal of four to six teams and we achieved 15 last year.

“Girls’ football is something people want to be a part of in our region.

“Some of the growth we’re experiencing across our junior and youth age groups, for men’s and women's football, is almost state leading.”

Mr Wilson said there was a 10.2 per cent year on year growth in netball in 2023.

“It was phenomenal and unprecedented in our region and we’re pleased with where netball is moving towards,” he said.

“For the last four seasons we have run AFL Barwon mid week competitions at Kardinia Park and those last four seasons we have hit capacity.”

Newtown Chilwell’s team Kelly is one of the club’s five under-9 football teams, and one of more than 140 junior football and netball teams featured in the Addy’s My First Club. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Wilson said while many girls were taking up football, not as many boys were diving into netball.

“I don't believe it's a matter of if, just a matter of when,” he said.

“The growth and expansion of AFLW and that over the last eight years in our region has fuelled a drive and increase in those participating in football in the women's and girls’ space. “When it comes to netball we do have boys playing in junior levels it is a very small number but they are always welcome to play.”

Mr Wilson said the organisation’s core belief was to foster participation opportunities.

“When you provide boys and girls in their formative years, and men and women in their adult years, the opportunity to be part of social environments it creates an environment where people are able to be a part of a community,” he said.

“It also enables people to be health and fit conscious.

“I think its important no matter what age you are or what sport you play, you have opportunities in your community to be part of sporting environments.”

A printed 28-page liftout of My First Club will be published in the Addy on June 26.

Originally published as Geelong’s junior football and netball ranks experience ‘unprecedented’ growth