New girls footy comp in WGJFC
A new U12 and U14 girls football competition will begin in the West Gippsland Junior Football Competition this year, with the demand booming in recent years.
It’s anticipated the girls competition will be made up of the majority of the WGJFC teams with Colts, Drouin, Nar Nar Goon, Warragul Blues and Warranor all locked in.
Now affiliated with AFL Gippsland, the WGJFC will receive guidance from its experienced administrators to develop the league.
It’s a huge step forward for the relatively new league, as girls’ footy numbers have skyrocketed at a local level.
“In 2021, we ran an U13s girls program which was a development opportunity to test the water.
“The appetite for female footy was enormous and will see 6 to 8 teams participate in both the U12s and U14s girls competition,” WGJFC league manager Simon Whelan said.
With many West Gippsland clubs locked in, there may be some who come from further afield.
“One or two teams from the WDJFL and possibly a couple of new teams towards central Gippsland may also join.
“The member clubs will be meeting early 2022 to vote on the competition setup,” Whelan said.
Many clubs are busy preparing for the year ahead, as excitement builds for the new teams.
“We are excited as a junior club to be part of the formation of a new league that aims to provide opportunities for fun, development and community connection,” Drouin JFC President Rebecca Virtue said.
“This is a significant move for Koo Wee Rup. As a Gippsland town we are excited to be part of a Gippsland competition that has a great community feel,” Koo Wee Rup JFC President Dwayne Lester said.
The affiliation move is hoping to drive junior participation rates and solidify the league into the future.
“Not only do the changes to become an incorporated association cement the league for years to come, it also ensures the member clubs are driving the decision and investment into participation,” Whelan said.
The league will now award Best and Fairest trophies to the U12s and U14s mixed competitions, along with the U12s and U14s girls competitions.
“Whilst the focus for the league is on participation, fairness, opportunity, and inclusion, we support the clubs in adopting the best and fairest awards to recognise outstanding individual efforts across the season,” Whelan said.