AFL Queensland has taken another step forward in the progression of women and girls in community football by aligning its uniform policy with the AFL, following the national governing body’s historic uniform policy change announced late last year.
Senior and youth female participants in Queensland will no longer be required to wear white shorts for games after the AFL removed white shorts from on-field uniforms for all teams across the AFLW, VFLW, AFLW U18 National Championships and any AFL-managed women and girls talent pathways activity.
AFLQ Competitions Manager – QLD Mitch Simpson said 2023 will be a transition year with white shorts in female football to be phased out by the 2024 season.
“We acknowledge the logistical and financial considerations for clubs, families, players and suppliers so 2023 will be a transition year where it will be recommended clubs limit the use of white shorts where practical,” Simpson said.
“Research conducted by the AFL showed players, particularly adolescents, who felt uncomfortable in their uniforms, were more likely to stop participating in sports at a grassroots and community level.
“As female participation continues to grow across Queensland, our priority remains creating a safe and inclusive football environment for all our participants and making Australian Football the most inclusive and accessible sport.”
This season, senior and youth female teams can choose to continue wearing white shorts when required due to a clash. Clubs can also wear their ‘home kit’ when playing away where no clash occurs – subject to competition manager approval.
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- Since 2019, there has been a 24 per cent increase in female community football participation in Queensland.
- With the introduction of U9s girls only teams last season, there is now a clear pathway for women and girls to play Aussie Rules from juniors and youth football right through to Senior Women’s footy and even AFLW.
- The AFL Commission approved more than $5 million in new investment to fund phase one of the Women and Girls Action Plan for the next the years to drive female participation and representation for women and girls across all aspects from community footy from playing to coaching, umpiring and administering.
