AFL Queensland has launched the #girlsplaytoo campaign to promote female football ahead of the Youth Girls State Championships that kick off in Brisbane on Thursday.
Aimed at 10 to 15 year old girls, the campaign showcases current youth girl players and highlights the ways those new to the game can become involved.
AFL is one of the fastest growing female sports in Australia, with over 194,000 women and girls playing nationwide. In Queensland, there are 51,677 women and girls playing, 26% of the national number.
AFL Queensland Chief Executive Officer Michael Conlan said the last few years had seen a significant rise in female participation.
“The number of females playing AFL has increased by 140% in the last three years and we are seeing younger girls taking up the sport in droves,” said Conlan.
“Playing footy is a great way to get fit, make friends and have fun in a friendly and supported environment and the girls are really embracing that.”
AFL Queensland Female Programs Coordinator Breeanna Brock said there are many ways for girls to become involved in AFL, from the NAB AFL Auskick program through to school and community club competitions.
“Our programs cater for all levels and abilities; from girls who want a kick and giggle, to those who aspire to playing at a higher level,” she said.
With the AFL aiming to launch a national competition by 2020, Brock said the timing of the #girlsplaytoo campaign couldn’t be better.
“A girl picking up a footy for the first time today may well find herself playing on the big stage in four years time,” said Brock.
“It’s a really exciting time for female football and we are committed to providing a pathway for the girls that replicates what we currently have in place for the boys.
“The #girlsplaytoo campaign is all about letting girls know they are a valued and important part of the Queensland AFL community.”
Female footy facts
· * 194,000 female participants nationally in 2014
· * Australian football is one of the fastest growing female sports with an increase of
140% in three years
· * Queensland is the number one state with 51,677 participants (26% of total)
· *There are 6,625 female NAB AFL Auskick participants in Queensland (24% of
total)
· *30% of all Queensland participants are female
· * There are 76 female teams state wide
· * There are seven female senior leagues across the state – two in South East
Queensland and Darling Downs, Mackay, Townsville, Capricornia, Cairns
· * There are four youth girls (ages 13 – 18) competitions across the state – Sunshine
Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cairns
· *Four Queensland players were drafted in 2014 AFL Women’s Exhibition Game
– Emily Bates, Emma Zielke, Leah Kaslar and Tayla Harris
