2012 AFL Women’s Round begins

Round 17 of the Toyota AFL Premiership is the official 2012 Women’s Round across the country.

Women’s Round aims to highlight the significant role of women in Australia’s game – as players, coaches, umpires, presidents, mums, and within the AFL organisation.

Leagues and clubs across NSW and the ACT will be celebrating the achievements made in female football, and be recognising the hard work that women do to help make our game great.

In particular, the week will focus on highlighting the female leaders within the wider AFL community.

The first female AFL Commissioner, Sam Mostyn, was appointed in 2005, and says the AFL has made positive steps towards empowering women within the industry.

“At the AFL we hope to offer women opportunities to forge their career across all aspects of the industry,” she said.

“Women’s involvement in every facet of the game – from grassroots to elite – is integral to our success, and it is vital to be able to say we offer a truly equitable sporting environment.

“We have high expectations of our staff to respect and value the women who contribute on all levels of the game. It is important for the growth and future of AFL that we create an environment that promotes equal gender involvement.”

AFL is the fastest growing female team sport in the country and in NSW and the ACT, there has been significant progress in providing viable pathways for female footballers.

In the past 12 months more than 28,000 females have participated in an AFL program or competition across NSW/ACT. 

NSW/ACT has the highest rate of female Auskick participation across the country, with 8,131 young girls taking to the field on a weekly basis. Across the states, we have been successful in offering girls only Auskick clinics, as well as Youth Girls competitions for players aged 12-16.

Channel 7 Morning Show host and AFL NSW/ACT Female Advisory Council member Kylie Gillies says the contribution of women to our game has been invaluable.

“As a footy mum, I’ve done my share of hard work to get my sons out on the field each weekend,” she said.

“But it’s not just mums that deserve recognition, there are thousands of women playing, umpiring and helping to run football clubs all over the country. Women’s Round is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the work they have done to make our game great.”

The AFL will be celebrating 2012 Women’s Round with a number of events throughout the week including the AFL Women’s Industry Lunch hosted by former Olympian Nicole Livingstone and with a keynote address by eminent surgeon and 2005 Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood.

For more information, or for media enquiries please contact AFL NSW/ACT Media and Communications Advisor Lindsay Clement-Meehan – Lindsay.clement-meehan@aflnswact.com.au or 0402 129 849.