SWAFL joins AFL Sydney

Sydney Women’s AFL (SWAFL) will become part of AFL Sydney after a unanimous decision was made by the SWAFL clubs to play under the one banner.

A recent information night was held at the AFL NSW/ACT Offices at Moore Park where AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager Garry Burkinshaw met with members of the  SWAFL competition.

A decision was made to run SWAFL under the AFL Sydney banner to help foster  participation, administration, competitions and promotion of the women’s league.

Burkinshaw said it’s a great decision which will help to grow female football in Sydney.

“The evening was important to hear about the strengths and challenges faced by the SWAFL, and also to hear about what direction they would like to see the AFL Sydney Women’s competition take,” Burkinshaw said.

“I am looking forward to having the women’s competition join AFL Sydney in what is an exciting time for the code.

“The SWAFL Board has done a fantastic job over the past twelve years, with Women’s football in Sydney in a healthy state.”

The Sydney Women’s competition was established in 1999 and caters for girls and women over fifteen years of age.

The newly established Youth Girls league (for those aged 12 to 18 years) creates a pathway from Auskick through to senior football.

Ten teams competed in the SWAFL in 2011, with Balmain defeating Sydney University in the Grand Final.

Burkinshaw has already fielded interest from additional teams who are keen to compete in the 2012 season.

In 2011, Auburn Women’s AFL Club, which is a predominantly multicultural side, joined the competition.