Sydney to welcome 30 new teams in U12 girls next year as AFLW sparks NSW interest

THE success of AFLW is driving Aussie rules participation levels to new highs in NSW and the ACT, with 30 new teams to compete in the first U12 competition for girls next year.

The 2017 success of women like Rebecca Beeson in the AFLW has sparked huge interest in Aussie rules in NSW and the ACT. Picture: AAP

The instant success of AFLW is driving Aussie rules participation levels to new highs in NSW and the ACT.

An amazing 30 teams competed in the first under 12 competition for girls in 2017 and it set to be followed up by another new under 10 comp next year.

AFL NSW/ACT boss Sam Graham said the value of the new national women’s competition can’t be overrated with the involvement of new female players.

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The 2017 success of women like Rebecca Beeson in the AFLW has sparked huge interest in Aussie rules in NSW and the ACT. Picture: AAP

“AFLW exceeded all expectations,” Graham said.

“Now we’ve got role models for our female players. Auskick was always strong with young girls now we’ve completed the pathway through to AFLW. We will have an under 10 competition in 2018 which will complete the pathway from entry level to the elite. It’s right across Sydney, we’re strong in the east and west and north and south. The interest and demand from girls and women to play has been overwhelming.”

“Accommodating the growth is one of our biggest challenges

Sports participation figures can be rubbery at the best of times but the growth of AFL in NSW is now coming at the level it counts most, the clubs.

NSW and the ACT now have the strongest development in Australia where

Club participation grew 8.2% off the back of a massive 78% increase in the number of female participants playing in registered Club football competitions.

Overall participation in AFL competitions and programs across the region grew 7.3% in 2017 to over 250,000 participants making the AFL community in NSW and the ACT Australia’s third largest participation base in the country behind Victoria and Western Australia.

The future of the GWS AFLW team is bright as more girls take up the sport.

The Giants success is also seeing double digit growth in Auskick in Western Sydney.

“The strong performances of the Swans and Giants on-field has been a big driver as well as the work they do as role models in the community,” Graham said.

“The quality of our school programs has led to a strong transition rates into Auskick and junior club football. The quality of our club environments is getting better and better where our volunteers have run inclusive and fun competitions for kids to enjoy.”

•Since 2010, participation has more than doubled across New South Wales and the ACT.

•7.2% participation growth year on year in 2017

•8.2% growth in club football in 2017 (this is the highest in the country)

•12% participation increase in Northern NSW

•10% increase in Auskick participation in Greater Western Sydney

•Approx. 25% increase in AFL 9s participants across New South Wales and the ACT

Originally published as Sydney to welcome 30 new teams in U12 girls next year as AFLW sparks NSW interest