Australian Football continues to grow across the region and in particular female football is in high demand across the Whitsunday Coast, leading the Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFC to bid to enter the AFL Mackay Women’s competition in 2017.
Key introductory program’s in NAB AFL Auskick and School Program’s have rapidly increased in participation over the last 12 months. From these program’s numerous youth girls and women’s athletes have enquired about opportunities to play Australian Football.
The answer? Bidding to enter the AFL Mackay Women’s competition for season 2017.
AFL Queensland staff met with Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFC officials recently to finalise the first step in entering a side, with the club set to host an Information and BBQ evening at Whitsunday Sports Park on Thursday 8th December for anyone that is interested.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager for the Mackay region, Jeff Neumann is excited about the prospect of a new team.
“Whitsunday have been a powerhouse club across our junior, youth and senior competitions for many years and for them want to add a women’s team to their great club is a fantastic result that has many benefits,” Regional Manager Jeff Neumann said.
“We have a lot of water to go under the bridge so to speak, but as we discussed with the Sea Eagles we will take it one step at a time and the first step is holding an Information and BBQ evening at the footy club.
“This year we have increased are awareness and reach across the Whitsunday region and have already collated a list of enough names to fill a team of interested youth girls and women’s athletes that want to know more, which is a great starting point.”
The Whitsunday Sea Eagles invite any female down who is interested in knowing more. From never had played before to athletes from other sports, everyone is welcome to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles home at Whitsunday Sports Park on Shute Harbour Road.
Whitsunday Sea Eagles, Vice-President Nicki Steel is excited by the opportunity and benefits of been a female-friendly football club.
“Not only will this bring more members, supporters, volunteers and players, but a women’s team will lead to a more diversified decision making, wider sponsorship and fundraising appeal and a more appealing social atmosphere which is great for any community club,” Steel said.
“We are very excited by this opportunity and hope the Whitsunday community will get behind this bid.”
Whitsunday Sea Eagles Women’s Information & BBQ Evening
When: Thursday 8th December
Where: Whitsunday Sports Park – AFL Oval (behind the PCYC)
Times: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
What: An opportunity to meet the Whitsunday Sea Eagles and AFL Queensland staff, along with hearing about information to bid for 2017 and requirements.
FREE BBQ as well.
For more information, go to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFC Facebook page; www.facebook.com/whitsundayAFC or to register your interest, send an email to Jeff.Neumann@afl.com.au.