Senior Women’s footy to start in 2018

AFL Barwon has announced the formation of a Senior Women’s football competition, with the first games to be played next year.

Making the announcement on Tuesday, AFL Barwon said its junior female competitions had been an overwhelming success over the past few years, and the news of the Geelong Football Club’s successful AFLW licencing bid meant it was the perfect time for AFL Barwon to expand into a senior competition.

A dozen clubs have already confirmed that they will be looking to have a Senior Women’s team in 2018: Barwon Heads, Bell Post Hill, Colac Imperials, Drysdale, Geelong Amateur, Geelong West Giants, Grovedale, Lara, North Geelong, Ocean Grove, St Joseph’s and St Mary’s. AFL Victoria development manager Katie Geerings has been heavily involved in the growth of female football locally, and said it was fantastic for the region to get to this stage compared to where it was three years ago.

“Last season we were overwhelmed with the number of new girls in our underage competition – the Senior Women’s competition now gives all girls an opportunity to play football.”

AFL Barwon in conjunction with the Geelong Cats and Geelong Falcons are holding a women’s information and Come and Try Day at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus on November 18 from 10am to noon The combined Come and Try Day is for girls wanting to just come for a kick for the first time as well as those trying to test themselves at the elite level.

Participants must be 16 years of age by January 1, 2018 to take part in the event. For a registration form, head to aflbarwon.com.au.

For more information on the Senior Women’s Competition or the Come and Try Day, phone AFL Barwon on 5241 6774.