The Southport Sharks will make history next year when they field their first senior women’s side

The Southport Sharks will make history in 2020 with the club set to field its first senior women’s side next year in the QFAW Divsion One competition.

THE Southport Sharks will make history in 2020 with the club set to field it’s first senior women’s side next year in the QFAW Divsion One competition.

AFL Queensland formally advised the Sharks this week that they would be granted a license to field their inaugural women’s side in AFLQ’s third tier women’s Aussie rules league.

The Southport Sharks will field their first senior women's side in 2020. Picture supplied.

The Sharks will join fellow Coast clubs Burleigh, Robina and Broadbeach in the fight for the Division One premiership which was won by the Kedron Lions on Sunday.

Southport Sharks CEO, Dean Bowtell, was delighted with the news of his club’s entry into the QFAW.

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“Since 1961, the Southport Sharks have promoted and fostered the growth of Australian rules football on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“This announcement complements our mission and provides a pathway for the 80 junior girls currently playing at the club.

“We are planning new facilities to enhance the football experience for all female participants.

“This is a historic day for the club”.

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AFL Queensland State Football Operations Manager, Barry Gibson, said that Southport have worked hard to build a pathway for young females.

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“Granting Southport a senior women’s licence is the next step in building the young female player pathway the club have worked hard to develop,” he said.

“They put forward a very professional pitch to be in the Division 1 competition and we have no doubt they will quickly develop an excellent women’s program.”

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More league movement is expected with Surfers Paradise putting their hand up for promotion after their division two Grand Final win while Palm Beach Currumbin have also indicated their interest in fielding a senior women’s side.