AFL in Queensland is proving the hottest ticket in town right now, with kids from across the State flocking to play the game.
In just the past four weeks over 4,200 kids have registered to play AFL, taking registrations to levels exceeding 2019 figures.
South East Queensland Juniors currently has 12,700 signed up, becoming the largest junior AFL competition in Australia.With the launch of the QSchools Cup Primary competition this week, nearly 100 teams have nominated in less than a week.
Mark Ensor, State Manager Kids Growth and Diversity says the growth of the game in Queensland is astounding.
“We never anticipated such an incredibly strong response to community footy rebooting in Queensland after the lock down period,” Ensor said.
“To exceed our participation figures from last year given the circumstances is a fantastic result, and a real testament to the great setup we have across Queensland with our clubs, officials and volunteers,” he said.
“Everyone has worked really hard to ensure we are providing a really safe, well prepared and compliant environment for kids to play footy. We understand there is natural concern in the community, and AFL Queensland and our clubs have ensured there is really clear education and communication around providing a safe and fun environment for kids”, Ensor said.
Participation figures for NAB AFL Auskick have also rebounded to last year’s level, with 4150 kids aged from 5-12 signing up to get a taste of the game.
In the senior ranks, registrations continue to increase daily, with over 9200 players registered to play AFL this season across Queensland. This figure is edging closer to 2019 participation figures which highlights how keen people are to get back into playing sport.
Pleasingly, AFL has welcomed players from other codes who have taken advantage of our early return to competition.
AFL Queensland CEO Dean Warren is excited at the prospect of welcoming new players to the game. “Our clubs have done a fantastic job to get the season up and away throughout the State. Many other codes haven’t yet returned, so it is wonderful to welcome players from other sports who get an opportunity they might never have had, to try our great game,” Warren said.
A great indicator of how inclusive AFL is, is the growth of female participation in Queensland. There are currently 6,000 female players registered to play AFL this season.
“The success of the women’s game across Queensland is well known. In the first round back, we saw great crowds queue up to see the women’s matches, and the quality of the game is just outstanding,” said Warren.
For more information on 2020 participation statistics please contact:
Clare Dale
State Manager, Marketing & Communications
M. 0428 239 798
Mark Ensor
State Manager, Kids Growth & Diversity
M. 0447 526 546
