First bounce for Sydney Harbour girls
Mother’s Day was slightly interrupted last Sunday, with many mums on hand to watch their daughters in participate in the Season Launch for the AFL Sydney Harbour Youth Girls Competition at ELS Hall in Ryde. More than 35 enthusiastic under-12 and under-15 girls attended the launch, learning and developing the skills and rules of the game.
Sydney Swans players Jack Lynch and Jackson Potter came along to help the girls with their skills and motivate them for the coming season. The mums weren’t left out, with each given a Mother’s Day rose to thank them for their involvement.
Kieran Donohue, AFL NSW/ACT Participation Manager for the Sydney Harbour region, said he was impressed with the skill and enthusiasm of the girls who participated.
“It’s fantastic to see the girls out here getting involved in footy like this, they’re all really keen to improve their skills and have some fun,” he said.
“We have received so much support from the clubs who want to keep their female players involved in the sport, so this program is a great way to both retain existing players and also introduce new players to AFL.”
Female football has been identified as a key area of growth for the AFL, and Youth Girls Football programs can provide the pathway for girls to continue to be engaged and involved in AFL beyond the Auskick program.
The majority of the girls who attended were from the Maroubra Saints and Mosman Swans AFL clubs, who have both been an enthusiastic proponent of this initiative.
Youth Girls AFL is open to any girl keen to learn and play AFL with modified contact and rules. The skills program will build their fitness, skills and confidence in a social and safe environment. AFL NSW/ACT is encouraged by the number of attendees at the first session but hopes numbers will continue to grow. All girls encouraged to bring their sisters and friends.
Come and be involved in skills and a trial game this Sunday at 10am at Allan Border Oval, Mosman. Registration is $50 for the competition, and girls receive a pink footy and Youth Girls T-shirt. Competition will commence Sunday May 27th between the teams in a home and away style draw format.
