Girls flock to AFL as sport soars in popularity
THE inaugural Western Sydney Youth Girls AFL competition has bounced off as the popularity of the sport surges amongst young women.
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THE inaugural Western Sydney Youth Girls AFL competition has bounced off as the popularity of the sport surges amongst young women.
Teams taking part in the U/15 competition include the Penrith Giants, Hawkesbury Saints and the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Lions.
“We last year were one of only two clubs in Western Sydney that had a (girls) team so there was no competition,’’ said Sean Hogan, President of the Emu Plains Club and co-coach of the Lions. “This year we are one of 11 youth girl teams, which is fantastic.
“They love their training. It’s all about fitness and having fun.”
AFL research has found a 33 per cent increase in female participation in football in 2015 . The sport has a goal of sending elite athletes to the National Women’s League (NWF) next year.
GWS Giants player Jeremy Cameron encouraged the players during Sunday’s matches at Blacktown International Sportspark.
“It’s great to see so many young girls playing AFL,’’ he said. “The talent on display was pretty impressive for so early in the season so I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on the competition throughout the rest of the year. Western Sydney is a proud sporting region so it would be terrific to have a team representing us in the NWL.”
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