Girls kick boys to the curb to tackle their own competitionDate: Friday, May 1
Time: From 6pm
Venue: North Dalton Park, Pioneer Rd, Toward (Wollongong)
Talent: 60 AFL Youth Girls competitors, Christine Anu, Federal Member for Throsby Jenny George and Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird
This Friday night, May 1, more than 60 pioneering young women from the Illawarra region will take to the field at North Dalton Park for the inaugural round of the Illawarra Youth Girls competition. This historical event, which has been three years in the making, is the
result of the community working with the local AFL (NSW/ACT) team to drive the campaign for the development of a Youth Girls competition to provide a viable participation option for the young women of the area.
Twelve months ago the campaign was spurred on further when two 14 year girls, Jessie Mulholland and Madison Giffin, faced the reality of no longer being able to play in their mixed competition under the league's youth policy. Rather than see this as a set back, the girls, their families and the community joined forces with AFL (NSW/ACT) to ensure the Youth Girls competition was created and given every opportunity to thrive. AFL (NSW/ACT) General Manager, Dale Holmes, said that this was an encouraging result for all involved.
"As a sport we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to become involved. This is a great outcome and an example of what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a cause. "Local communities are the heart of football. Last year we celebrated 150 years of Australian football, paying special tribute to the role local communities play in the survival of our game. The Illawarra community has come together to start a new chapter in our history. "Women have played a pivotal role in our sport for a long time. Any avenue we can provide to support women in football is a good result for everyone."
This Friday night will officially launch the new competition and recognise the hard work of those who fought for its creation. The competition will feature four teams, Albion Park Crows, Shellharbour Swans, Dapto Eagles and Figtree Kangaroos, with each of the sides playing
each other three times in the 12 week fixture. In an exciting addition for the night, Australian singer and AFL supporter, Christine Anu will perform the Australian Anthem before the first bounce.
Local i98fm radio personality, Erica Hodge who has been heavily involved in the campaign in her role as Youth Girls Ambassador, will have the honour of bouncing the first ball. Erica said she was thrilled to be involved in the campaign. "The people behind AFL in the Illawarra came together to make this happen. It's a fantastic opportunity for young girls to continue playing a sport they love and not be lost to one of the other codes. It's great to see something for teenage girls." Also attending on the night, the two local Federal MPs, Member for Throsby Jenny George and Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird.
Last Modified on 01/05/2009 07:47