Has the AFLW league inspired you to pick up a footy? You’re not alone! Many Victorian women are taking up Aussie Rules Football and having an absolute blast.
Australian Rules Football training sessions for women provide a high-intensity workout that gives you the chance to run, kick and handball like the best of them. Have a go and see if you enjoy it!
On this page we look at:
- How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassadors Angela, Nida and Sue found new confidence and friends playing Aussie Rules Football
- Getting started and finding a women’s AFL club
- More ways to get involved with social groups and non-contact rules
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Angela isn’t going to let a fear of looking silly hold her back!
Angela thought she was too uncoordinated to play sport. Until she saw her sister run a marathon, and realised she could too! Recently she started playing football in a women’s team. Angela says she alternates between absolute exhilaration and fear of making a fool of herself, but that’s not going to stop her.
Find a women’s AFL club near you and have your first kick
Play AFL is the best place for beginners to find a local AFL women’s team near them to get started. All of the clubs all very welcoming, and love the chance to meet new women who enjoy the game (or are interested in trying it) and are willing to have a go.
If you never thought you’d be able to pick up a football, read on. There are so many opportunities, with clubs running training sessions that teach AFL for women to learn new skills. Here’s how to play AFL, even if you’re just starting out.
Even AFLW players like Daisy Pearce, Moana Hope and Tayla Harris started at these clubs, and had to learn the ropes as well.
AFL women’s clubs offer a range of local programs to help you learn the game. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or a senior, there’s a place for you!
There are a range of formats and competitions to play in. From Auskick for young kids just learning the basics, to social modified rules games and competitive leagues for teenagers and adults, there are opportunities to play AFL for girls and women all over Victoria.
Nida had never even watched a game before she tried AFL after moving to Australia
Nida, 31, had never even watched a game of Aussie Rules before joining a women’s footy team. New to Australia, she joined a Pakistani women’s football team and never expected the benefits she’s got. Even though the team finished bottom of the ladder, they sang and danced after every game.
Social footy for women in Melbourne and regional Victoria
Another way to learn AFL and get used to the game is to find some social women’s AFL groups.
As well as the official teams and competitions, there’s a range of associations and local communities that organise casual games that women can get involved in.
AFL 9s is another form of the game that’s all about having fun, and grabbing a meal with your team after the game. There are 9 players per team, and it’s played on a square field that’s a bit smaller than a soccer field. It’s non-contact and similar to touch football, so it’s suitable for everyone – check it out!
Sue was told she couldn’t play Aussie rules growing up. Now, nothing can stop her
Sue always wanted to play Australian Rules Football, but was repeatedly told she couldn’t – at school, by her dad and even by her daughter. Inspired by the launch of AFLW, at 53 years old Sue finally made her footy debut. “God I wish this had been around when I was a kid ‘cause I’d have been there in a flash,” she said. Sue has continued to play alongside five of the women she met at the original ‘come and try’ day for AFL Women’s Masters.
Learn AFL and find a women’s AFL group near you
- Visit the websites mentioned on this page: Play AFL or AFL 9s.
- Google it! Find a club or group playing AFL for women. Or you could find a place to grab a footy and practice some moves.
- Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood: see if there’s a women’ AFL club that has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
- Ask other women about playing Aussie rules footy – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.
Can’t get out right now?
It might not be the right time to head out and play Aussie rules with a group or join a women’s AFL team. That’s okay, there can be plenty to keep you busy at home.
The great thing about AFL is there are many things you can do inside to get started, or practice your skills. If you’re yet to get out there, you can research beginner football clubs in Melbourne or near you and find one to try. Or you can pick up a footy from the store and try out some handballing.
Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.