For the second consecutive year, the Eastern Football Netball League hosted an a Mixed Under 7’s and Under 8’s Girls competitions.
The two competitions were held at Kings Park, Upper Ferntree Gully over the last four Sundays.
The Under 8’s Girls program saw girls come together from across the EFNL Region and be split into six teams to play one another. The growth in the competition saw an increase of 21 girls from 2023 with a total of 58 participants this year and an extra two teams.
The Mixed Under Sevens competition also saw an increase of participants from 2023. A total of 58 teams from 33 clubs, 591 participants, a growth of 122 participants from last year.
Participation Coordinator at AFL Victoria, Alice Hansen, was thrilled with the development and growth of the competition this season.
“It was fantastic to see so many kids running around with smiles on their faces in their club colours,” Hansen said.
“This program provides the opportunity for our age eligible Auskickers to get their first taste of Junior Football across four rounds and assists in the transition to Under 8s in 2025.”
Next year, the EFNL will be looking to field an Under 8 Girls grade in addition to Under 10s in 2025, with this initiative providing a fantastic opportunity for girls to begin their football journey.
For the second year running, the Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club has done a fantastic job to host the program and all the participants.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to Craig Bridle and the volunteers at the Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club for their assistance in hosting this competition across the 4 weekends,” Hansen said.
