Sydney schoolgirls enter AFL competition for first time

Prestigious Sydney private schools and rugby union traditionally go hand-in-hand.

But a new sporting shift is underway.

Independent girls schools have noticed an increase in AFL participation in male schools once dominated by rugby, and they are jumping on board.

This month, the first ever AFL Sydney Independent School Girls competition will kick off.

AFL NSW/ACT chief executive officer Sam Graham said the Sydney area has experienced extraordinary growth in female football.

“In 2017, we saw a 78 per cent increase in female club football participation across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the fastest growing segment of our game,” Mr Graham said.

“This growth has allowed us to provide Sydney’s independent girls schools with the opportunity to play football in an organised competition, something that has existed for their male counterparts since 2013.

“It is great to have six independent girls schools taking part in the six-week competition, and it is a real credit to everyone involved in making this possible.

Click to read the full article, published by Jennifer Browning, www.abc.net.au