Youth Girls football taking off in NSW
By Daniel McBride
The Under-13s competition now boasts an impressive five teams, up from only two in 2012, while the Under-16s has four sides.
The addition of Kellyville/Rousehill, a second Drummoyne-Teal team, and a team in Mosman, has invigorated the league and should produce some fierce competition.
Drummoyne won the Under-16s competition last year, and there are now three Drummoyne teams across the two competitions.
Club Secretary of the Kellyville/Rousehill Magpies, Fiona McGovern said the inclusion of extra teams in the Youth Girls Competition is great for football in general.
“Players really wanted to play,” she said.
“A lot of girls liked the idea of playing with and against other girls, not in mixed teams.”
David Lawson, Coach of the Under-16s Queenwood side, the Q. Starz, experienced similar enthusiasm for an all girls football team.
“We sent out an expression of interest and more than 20 girls responded that were all keen to play,” Lawson said.
He believes that 2013 will prove to be a breakthrough year in the development of women’s football in NSW.
“A broader demographic through an increased number of teams leads to more people experiencing AFL football and more teams equals more interest.”
With the teams in the Youth Competition more than doubling since 2012, interest continues to grow with the hope more and more girls across NSW will continue to sign up, providing girls with the opportunity to play in girl only leagues rather than in mixed teams.
