Female football continues to grow at a rapid rate, meaning accessing a single gender team locally is easier than ever. The participation pathway provides opportunities to players of all skill levels
Unlike boys, girls are less likely to have progressed from AFL Auskick and junior football through to youth girls. At Women’s League level, clubs are still attracting new players who have never played the game before.
If your club wants to set up a new female team go to the AFL Female Club Guide for tips on how to best do this.
Female Participation Pathway
1. NAB AFL AUSKICK: Ages 5-12
- The NAB AFL Auskick program is the AFL’s official introductory program for both boys and girls
- With no tackling, modified rules and an inclusive atmosphere, Auskick is fun, safe and a terrific way to get young girls involved in the sport
- To participate in the AFL Auskick program, girls must turn five in the calendar year that they register.
- Visit www.aflauskick.com.au to discover more and find your nearest Centre
2. CLUB FOOTBALL
Junior Football: Ages 8.5-11.5
- Junior Club football offers kids who have completed a few NAB AFL Auskick seasons the excitement of playing in a team
- Rules are modified to allow kids to play in a safe, inclusive environment and allows players to experience a variety of positions on the ground from full back to full forward
- The number of girls-only competitions continues to grow around the country, however girls can also play in mixed-gender teams up to the age of 14.
- To find your nearest football Club visit play.afl.
Youth Football: Ages 12.5-17.5
- Tailor made for players of all abilities and aspirations, Youth Girls football is an ideal progression from either NAB AFL Auskick or junior football
- Females can play in mixed-gender or girls-only teams up to the age of 14. Girls aged between 15-18 years should be participating in AFL Youth Girls competitions at U15 and U18 years using appropriate AFL Youth Girls rules
- To find your nearest football Club visit play.afl
Senior Women’s: Ages 17+
- Women’s League is an open-age competition for women with clubs and leagues in each state
- There is a minimum age of 17 years for youth girls graduating to senior level
- To find your nearest football Club visit play.afl
3. AFL 9s: AGES 16+
- AFL 9s is the AFL’s official social version of the game.
- It’s a fast, fun, free-flowing game that involves 9 players on each team playing on a smaller field.
- Best of all, it’s ‘touch football’ with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for everyone.
- You can play in mixed or single-gender teams – click here for more information
If you have other questions or having trouble finding a Club that offers what you are looking for, email femalefootball@afl.com.au and we will get back to you.
For more information on rules and guidelines relating to female football visit the Play.AFL
