Junior league part of a national plan to create a female AFL league

Exhibition  matches between the Women’s Western Bulldogs and Women’s Melbourne Demons are played twice a year – but officials say increasing female participation in community AFL is the next step.

Exhibition  matches between the Women’s Western Bulldogs and Women’s Melbourne Demons are played twice a year – but officials say increasing female participation in community AFL is the next step.

Penrith Giants Junior AFL plans to enter a team in the inaugural Greater Western Sydney U15 Youth Girls competition.

The competition is part of a national plan to create a women’s AFL league by 2017-18.

AFL NSW Penrith area manager Brett Roberts said the U15 team is the first step.

President of the Penrith Giants, Kylie O’Connor, is excited about fielding a youth team for girls and believes that it is important for the players  to be able to progress into adult divisions.

“Sharing a facility with the (first-grade) Penrith Rams and Ramettes allows the girls to see there is a pathway to continue playing for longer than junior footy, which I think is important,’’ said O’Connor.

The Penrith Ramettes and Gosford Wildcats in action in the 2015 BLK Sydney AFL Women's Grand Final.

Shelby Draper, 13, Sarah Young, 15, are considering playing in the Youth Girls team in the inaugural U15 Youth Girls AFL competition.

Roberts said anyone can join the U15 competition.

“Players from all levels can join,” he said.

“There are programs that focus on introducing the sport to the girls.

“Some girls progress through Auskick while the under-12 girls play with boys.” 

Players from the Greater Western Sydney team could also be involved in coaching sessions for the youth team, Mr Roberts said.

Penrith Ramettes and Gosford Wildcats in action in the 2015 BLK Sydney AFL Women’s Grand Final Picture: DAMIAN SHAW

Kate Draper, mother of 13-year-old Penrith Giants player Shelby Draper  said it was wonderful to see female athletes being recognised in the sport.