Local clubs and umpires receive $250K for junior girls uniforms

Ninety-six local clubs and community umpire associations have successfully applied to share in a total of $250,000 to go towards junior and youth girls football uniforms.

The announcement confirms distribution of funding for a new grants opportunity launched earlier this year by the AFL – the Junior & Youth Girls Uniform Grant Program – which is proudly supported by Fanatics, a global digital sports platform.

The program was established to foster inclusion by allocating funding towards new uniforms for junior and youth girls in community football.

Of the 96 successful recipients across the country, 89 are clubs and seven are umpire associations.

Thirteen NSW/ACT clubs and an umpire association were successful receiving the grant.

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Each club and umpire association could apply for grants of up to $3,000. Funding will go towards replacing white shorts with a suitable alternative for junior and youth girls team as well as purchasing appropriate playing or umpiring uniforms that are made specifically for girls.

AFL General Manager, Game Development, Madeline Penny, said: “Congratulations to the clubs and umpire associations who are successful recipients of this funding for the Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grant Program, which supports the incredible growth we’ve seen in Australian Rules Football for girls.

“There are more than 3,300 football teams for women and girls around the country. By comparison, there were around 600 teams in 2015, less than a decade ago, which shows how far the game has come for women and girls since the inception of NAB AFLW in 2017.

“Ensuring girls have access to suitable uniforms helps to create welcoming and inclusive environments that promote enjoyment and participation.”

Tyler Emsden, Director of Business Development, Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are extremely proud to support this programme, and to play our part in removing the barriers to participation in sport for young women across Australia, whether playing or umpiring. Women and girls face a number of additional challenges when trying to take part in the sports they love, and it is critical that, at all levels of the game, these barriers are removed wherever possible to ensure young women have a level playing field.

“We are committed to ensuring that all, both on and off the pitch, can further their love of sport, and we are delighted to support the AFL in making this important initiative happen.”

This year, participation for girls playing junior community football (8-12 years) is up six per cent on 2023, while youth (13-17 years) girls participation is up four per cent year-on-year.

Fanatics’ support of the program is part of a 10-year partnership with the AFL, which was announced in 2023.

To find out more about grant opportunities for women and girls in football, visit https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/grants

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AFL JUNIOR & YOUTH GIRLS UNIFORM GRANT PROGRAM 2024 RECIPIENTS NSW/ACT

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AFL Sydney Umpires (NSWAFUA)

Bathurst Bushrangers ARFC

Cardiff Hawks Junior AFL

Eastlake Demons Juniors

Lake Macquarie Australian Football Club

Leichhardt Cygnets Junior Australian Football Club

Newtown Junior Australian Football Club

North Coffs Australian Football Club Inc.

Pennant Hills Junior Australian Football Club

Penshurst RSL Panthers JAFC

Ramsgate Rams JAFC

Singleton Roosters AFC

Terrigal Avoca Football Club

Wentworth Place Titans Sports Club