AFL Gippsland is thrilled to announce the introduction of two brand-new Under-15 Girls competitions in the Traralgon & District Junior Football League and the Sale & District Junior Football Association from 2026.
This exciting step forward comes on the back of a 15% growth in women’s and girls’ football across Gippsland in 2025, a clear sign that the appetite for female football has never been stronger.
“These new competitions are another milestone for our region,” said Tim Cotter, Region Manager. “We’ve seen so much enthusiasm from players, families and clubs, and it’s fantastic to now provide even more opportunities for girls to play, develop their skills and stay connected to the game.”
Building on Recent Success
Backing on from the success of the East Gippsland & Wellington Under-15 Academy program in 2025, the introduction of these new competitions provides the next natural step for players who have already been exposed to structured development opportunities. The new age groups will help bridge the gap between junior football and the FFG Under-18 Youth Girls competition, while also supporting a strong pipeline into Senior Women’s football.
AFL Nines – A Fun First Step
To give players a taste of what’s to come, AFL Gippsland will host a special Under-15 Girls AFL Nines competition on Sunday 19th October at Agnes Brereton Reserve.
This tackle-free, fast, and fun version of the game is designed especially for girls new to footy or those curious about giving it a go in a safe and supportive environment. Clubs will also have the opportunity to register teams, ensuring girls can experience the excitement of playing together before the full competitions launch in 2026.
Find out more about AFL Nines here: play.afl/play/afl-nines
Opportunities at Every Age
Linking in with the new Under-15 Girls competitions, AFL Gippsland is also proud to confirm that from 2026 there will be a Girls-Only Under-12 Superkick program delivered in both Traralgon and Sale.
This ensures girls now have a female-only pathway — from Superkick through to junior and youth competitions, and ultimately into senior women’s football.
“This is about building a lifelong connection to the game,” added Cotter. “From Auskick and Superkick through to Youth Girls and Senior Women’s, girls in Gippsland can now see a clear and exciting pathway to follow.”
Backed by Community and Charter
This expansion reflects AFL Gippsland’s commitment under the Women and Girls Charter to grow participation and ensure that every player has a place to play. It’s also a recognition of the tireless work of volunteers, coaches and families who continue to champion opportunities for girls in their local communities.
Support for Clubs
AFL Gippsland will be working closely with clubs to help establish new teams. Region Manager Tim Cotter and Club Development Lead Nicole Bertuna will provide strategic and operational support, while Participation Coordinator Caitlin Weston will focus on recruitment and participation initiatives to get more girls on the field.
“We’re here to support every club that wants to get involved,” said Cotter. “There’s so much energy around female football right now, and these new competitions give us the chance to harness that momentum. It’s an exciting time for players, families and communities right across Gippsland.”
For more information on AFL Gippsland’s Women and Girls Charter, visit: aflgippsland.com.au/womens-and-girls-charter
