Female footy fever to hit Coast for luncheon

FOOTY fever will hit the Gold Coast in November when female AFL players from across Queensland gather to celebrate the rise of women’s football across the state.

All female teams in the Sunshine State and Northern NSW will be invited to the Long Lunch – Celebrating Women in AFL Charity Luncheon, which will raise money for domestic violence charity the Tara Brown Foundation.

The two-course lunch at Southport RSL on November 17, which includes guest speakers, a four-hour beverage package, entertainment, raffle and giveaways, was initiated by the Surfers Paradise Demons.

On the back of the successful debut of a national AFLW competition last year, participation for women is skyrocketing and there are now 6000 female Australian Rules players across Queensland.

Event spokesman and Surfers Paradise chairman John Rankin said the aim of the gathering was to recognise the achievements of those women players and females’ contribution to the game overall.

Rankin said the event would show Australian Rules football was not just a sport but a powerful positive movement for women that welcomed females from all walks of life.

“This will be a great opportunity for clubs to unite and share stories about their experiences in the game, while raising money for a cause which has touched so many women,” he said.

Guests at the event include AFL operations manager Steve Hocking and AFLQ boss Dean Warren and AFLW Women’s ambassadors.

For more info or tickets, visit rslclubsouthport.com.au.