Female KickStart squad announced

AFL Queensland has announced the inaugural Queensland Female KickStart Squad to compete at the National Championships next month.

The KickStart program has been a key driver in developing young male indigenous footballers for more than six years and will now incorporate a Youth Girls component to help cater for the growing number of girls playing football.

In a milestone for both indigenous and female football, the first ever KickStart Youth Girls National Championships will be held in Melbourne from September 8-13, and involve teams from every state of Australia.

Teams will compete in a special nine-a-side format, with a champion to be crowned at the end of what is sure to be an exciting week of football.

AFL Queensland’s Indigenous Programs Coordinator Jesse Green said KickStart Program uses AFL as a vehicle for education, employment, health and participation outcomes for Indigenous people.

“The KickStart program goes beyond football,” said Green.

“The girls will also have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, engage with female role models and attend education sessions on topics such as nutrition and personal well-being.

“The male program has been incredibly successful and we are thrilled to now be able to offer it to the girls.” 

The KickStart program and Championships provide further development opportunities for other parts of the football industry such as umpiring, coaching and administration with local Indigenous people engaged in these leadership positions for each team.

Queensland Female KickStart Squad