AFL Barwon has introduced new changes to the structure of the junior female competition ahead of the 2023 season
AFL Barwon has made changes to a number of junior age brackets, with greater participation the catalyst for the movements.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AFL Barwon has introduced new changes to the structure of the junior female competition ahead of the 2023 season.
The competition will revert back to the U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 divisions from next season and beyond, with the girls’ competition realigning with the boys’ junior age brackets.
AFL Barwon region general manager Edward Wilson said there had been “exponential growth” in women’s football in the past few seasons.
“The change in age groups represents the exponential growth our region has experienced, both pre, during and post Covid-effected seasons,” he said.
“This change provides greater opportunities for participation, development, and career longevity, to ensure our female footballers are provided with the best environment locally to excel and enjoy their football.
“When making these changes, it was important to go back a few years and compare the participation rates in non-Covid years, and for the past five years there has been an upwards trend that is really promising.
“Looking at the data, AFL Barwon’s participation in female football has bounced back better than other comparable regions, so we felt it was the right time to create that opportunity.”
In 2022, girls’ football was played at an U10, U12, U15 and U18 level, with players then graduating to senior competition.
The boys’ competition runs up to U18s football and will continue to do so in 2023, with players then making the leap to senior grades, but the girls’ pathway will extend to U19s.
Wilson said it was a deliberate ploy to provide female players an extra year of development in the sport.
“It will help create a smoother development pathway for female players, and will also help create a stable competition with a real depth of talent,” he said.
“We’ve had open conversations with the clubs and key stakeholders about the changes … the feedback has been fantastic, they have been really open to improving the competition.”
AFL Barwon officials are excited at the prospect of continuing to grow the women’s game in Geelong, with large numbers participating in the junior girls’ round robin during the female Festival of Sport.
Female football co-ordinator Bree Beckley said the region’s participation in football was growing.
“I want to ensure girls and women have fun playing the great game of footy in our region,” she said.
“I very much look forward to continuing working alongside clubs for the 2023 season to help and give more girls the opportunity to play football.”
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL Barwon has introduced new changes to the structure of the junior female competition ahead of the 2023 season
Positive update on Stewart’s knee as cursed Cat closes in on return
Tom Stewart was subbed out against St Kilda but he could return sooner than first thought. Plus, some good news for two injury-riddled Cats.
Circus camel tramples stunt dog trainer
A Bannockburn stunt dog trainer was almost killed after being trampled by a camel at the circus in Queensland. Sim Hellebrand fears her career might be over after undergoing hip replacement.