In 1997 Wollongong Lions junior club visionary, Graham Wells took the bold step of entering teams in the St George Junior Australian Football Association for a dedicated group of about ten boys who toiled throughout 1996. Graham had been working in schools in the area for several years on a voluntary basis to build up interest in AFL with the ambition of starting a team for the Wollongong region. The Lions successfully competed in the St George competition in all age groups for the next two years and received strong support from interested families and players.
With the AFL's funding for rapid growth of junior AFL in the Sydney region, the Lions received assistance from Sydney Junior AFL head, Mike Kenny in growing the sport further. The Lions generated enough interest for five more clubs to be formed at the start of the 1999 season, forming the Wollongong District Junior AFL led by Gary O'Dea as the founding Chairman. The original clubs were Northern Districts Tigers, Wollongong Lions, Western Kangaroos (Figtree), Port Kembla Magpies, Shellharbour Cats and Kiama Power. Many players from the existing Wollongong Lions teams moved to other clubs, spreading out the experience and talent that was available.
The first year saw Auskick, Under 10 and Under 12 competitions with the Wollongong Lions continuing to enter Under 14s and Under 16s in the St George competition. In subsequent years the competition rapidly grew to incorporate age groups up to Under 16s by 2001.
In 2002 Southern Highlands joined the competition replacing the vacancy left by the disbanding of Shellharbour Cats.
In 2003 the South Coast Storm development squad was formed to give local players the opportunity to develop their talents further and provide a pathway to the AFL draft.
In 2004 local players played in the NSW/ACT RAMS for the first time. Five players were selected, showcasing the talent available in the region and the success of the South Coast Storm program. The players were Troy Bartlett, Clinton Wells, Cameron Stanton, Adam McConnochie and Michael Toussis.
In 2005 the Wollongong Junior AFL became AFL Illawarra Juniors - restructured to be in line with all regions across Greater Sydney.
The expansion of the competition continued in 2005 with the formation of the Shellharbour Swans and two new age groups, Under 9s and Under 11s followed by the Dapto Eagles in 2006 and an Under 13 age group.
In 2007 AFL Illawarra Juniors entered two Under 16 teams in the Sydney South Junior Competition.
In 2008 The Albion Park Crows officially entered the competition. Also in 2008 players were able to take part in Under 17s football in the region.
Age groups for 2008 were: Auskick, Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17.
Last Modified on 13/03/2008 15:15