More than 120 QBE Sydney Swans Academy Youth Girls Program athletes descended on Centennial Park for the Academy Cup on Monday afternoon.

The girls lace up the boots for training every Monday and tackle the Academy Cup every four weeks, which sees the young stars test their skills in games.

Academy Operations Manager Briana Harvey says it’s crucial the girls develop their skills under the pressure of a game.

“It’s really essential for us that the girls get some competitive games under their belt, particularly as we’re moving towards getting an AFLW license,” Harvey told SwansTV.

“We can now grow our own female talent within NSW, which is really exciting. Some of these girls will no doubt be playing in the Swans’ first AFLW side, so it’s great they’re down here today on a beautiful Sydney afternoon.”

The Youth Girls Program launched in 2018 and has since grown to taking on under-12, under-13 and under-14 age groups.

The plan is to add another age group every year, through until the under-18s, in the hope to one day enter a team in the AFLW competition. 

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