With the total number or participants reaching 103,358, the 5% growth was spread evenly throughout the state with several regional and metropolitan areas showing a total increase of over 20% for the year. The total participation has seen steady growth from the 27,675 Queenslanders taking part in some form of the game in 2000.
The figures are calculated from the amount of participants who take part in more than six weeks of any AFL program. In Queensland these programs include junior, youth, senior, veteran, women’s, NAB AFL Auskick, school and recreational football.
Speaking at the unveiling of Hilder Road State School’s new goal posts, AFL Queensland CEO Richard Griffiths credited the results to the increase in opportunities given to everyone in the community to play Australian football.
“The growth in participation starts with developing facilities such as the ones here at Hilder Road and making AFL available to as many people as possible,” Mr Griffiths said.
“It’s very pleasing to know that so many people are trying and enjoying our game right across the State.
“A lot of the credit has to go to the volunteers and supporters at the clubs and schools as well as the hard working AFL Queensland employees around the state.”
Hilder Road is also the home of the Gap Dragons JAFC who completed their inaugural season this year with teams in the under 8’s and under 9’s competition in the Brisbane Junior League.
Councillor Geraldine Knapp contributed to the venture by funding the installation of the posts through the Lord Mayors Suburban Initiative Fund. The initiative allows Councillors to assist with similar projects that benefit the local area.
“This is something that will benefit many young people from around the community and I am delighted to give the school any support possible,” Cr Knapp said.
Both the Brisbane Lions and AFL Queensland also assisted via a partnership that aims to utilise the amenities in schools for the development of new clubs throughout the state, with six such clubs starting up in the greater Brisbane area in the past two years.
The Lions’ Membership Manager Rebecca Shaw was also on hand at Hilder Road and stated that the new club will act as a vehicle for more juniors to play the game.
“We know that once people play AFL or come and watch the Lions, they quickly develop a love for the game. It’s a long-term strategy but the Brisbane Lions are very keen to continue to support grass-roots football and hopefully play a role in finding the next Michael Voss,” she said.
The Gap Dragons are looking for more players aged from 8 to 11 years old for 2010 and will also continue to run the popular NAB AFL Auskick introductory skills program for kids from 5 years. To contact the Club please call the President, Craig Telfer on 0401 895 651
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