Following the recent trials for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy’s Youth Girls Program, we’re pleased to announce 130 girls have been accepted to take part when the inaugural program kicks off in 2018.

The participants include 60 girls in the U12s age group and 70 in the U13s program.

Of the athletes selected, 20 are the younger sisters of boys who are already in the Academy, while 20 have no prior AFL playing experience in a local or school competition.

The announcement coincides with International Day of the Girl and all of the girls who took part in the trials should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Meet some of our young female athletes:

Name
: Poppy Gibson

2018 Age Group: U13

Local AFL Club: Maroubra Saints

Sports Played: AFL, Netball, Athletics, 7's Rugby, Touch Rugby, Nippers, Oz Tag 

Why are you looking forward to being involved in the inaugural Youth Girls program in 2018?
I have played many sports but this year is the first year I have played AFL and I have loved every second of it. In AFL, I love using all the skills that I have learnt from my other sports – I get to bounce, kick, mark, run, step and tackle people. I am so excited about the opportunity to be taught by amazing coaches and be surrounded by other players who will help me to improve my skills.

I was buzzing after the Youth Girls trials a few weeks ago where all the coaches were so positive and encouraging. I am really excited to start this new journey and I can't wait play with new girls and make lots of new friends, at the same time as playing a sport that I love.



Name
: Emmy Latter
2018 Age Group: U12
Local AFL Club: Maitland Saints
Sports Played: AFL, Basketball, Cricket & Netball 

Why are you looking forward to being involved in the inaugural Youth Girls program in 2018?
I would like to be part of the Sydney Swans first Youth Girls program so I get to understand more about the game, develop my skills and play with girls (as I’ve been playing AFL at Maitland Saints in boys teams). Also, to learn how AFL players look after themselves – such as nutrition, health, sleep and game preparation – and most of all, to have fun and enjoy the company of a nice but competitive group of girls.

Name: Laura Gibbons
2018 Age Group: U13
Local AFL Club: Drummoyne Power
Sports Played: AFL

Why are you looking forward to being involved in the inaugural Youth Girls program in 2018?
I love AFL and this is another opportunity for me to improve my skills.  I am extremely excited to join the Youth Girls program because I will get to play with girls who love AFL like I do. Now that the AFLW has started, this is the first step for me to achieve my goal of becoming an AFLW player.