Young female footballers in New South Wales will have a new talent pathway with the Sydney Swans announcing the establishment of a Youth Girls Academy.
The Youth Girls arm of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy will commence in 2018, with 140 places available in an initial 12-week elite training program open to 12 and 13-year-old girls. The program will be delivered across three metropolitan training hubs, including Moore Park, northern Sydney and southern Sydney.
The initial intake of girls will be able to continue along a talent pathway through to under-18s, with the Academy set to grow each year by tailoring a program to additional age groups.
It’s anticipated the Youth Girls program will eventually grow to more than 500 participants.
Sydney Swans CEO and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said it’s an exciting development for female participation in New South Wales.
“This is a very significant development for our football club that will create a Sydney Swans talent pathway for female footballers,” Ireland said.
“While our football club hasn’t been in a position to apply for an AFLW licence to-date, mostly due to challenges with our facilities, we have always said we are committed to broadening female participation at all levels of our game and creating opportunities for women in football. We see the Youth Girls Academy as an important first step towards establishing a Sydney Swans AFLW team.
“We’re really proud of the impact our QBE Sydney Swans Academy has already had on not only talent outcomes for New South Wales, but also on increasing participation and interest in our game. We’re confident our Youth Girls Academy will deliver similar outcomes and help increase the local talent pool of female footballers.”
Trials will be held in September this year and will be open to 11 and 12-year-old girls.
To find out more or to apply, click here.
Siarra Bolton, Jordan Davis, Taya and Leni O'Loughlin join dads Jude, Nick and Michael out on the SCG to help launch the Sydney Swans Youth Girls Academy.
