From players to coaches: women shaping the future of Barwon sport

MORE than 15,000 women and girls across the AFL Barwon network are involved in community sport as players, coaches and officials.

Data from the inaugural AFL Barwon Female Participation Report has highlighted the strength of female involvement in football and netball across the region.

A combined 13,114 female players have participated in AFL Barwon-governed competitions this year, representing 45 per cent of all registered participants.

AFL Barwon chief executive Kate Patterson said the figures reflect the opportunities available to girls and women.

“These participation numbers are a fantastic reflection of the work being done across our football and netball community to ensure women and girls have every opportunity to be involved in our competitions,” Patterson said.

“Whether it’s as a player, coach, umpire, volunteer or administrator, women are making an enormous contribution to community sport throughout the Barwon region.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see strong participation at the junior level, which provides an exciting foundation for the future of female football and netball.”

Netball remains a major driver of female participation, with almost 10,000 players representing 840 teams registered across all age groups. The largest age group is the under-13 category, with 2,181 players.

Female football continues to grow, with 3,465 footballers registered in 92 teams. Of those, 616 play in senior teams, highlighting the competition’s growth since the competition began in 2018.

Women are also making a significant contribution off the field, with 897 female coaches and 430 female umpires – 370 netball umpires and 60 football – supporting competitions across the region

The report was released as part of AFL Barwon’s 2026 Female Festival of Sport, recognising women on the court and field, as well as those working behind the scenes to create welcoming, inclusive and supportive environments.