Rob Auld, AFL Tasmania
Tasmania, joined all other states and territories in Australia, by announcing positive growth (1.2%) in 2016.
The total number of Tasmanians now playing football reached a new high of 40,139, which AFL CEO Rob Auld said reflected how important football in the state is.
The rapid growth in female football has again exceeded expectations, following the release of Tasmanian state-wide participation figures.
The figures were highlighted by a 395% growth in female club participation which saw 28 new teams take to the field this season.
“The number of women and girls playing football continues to exceed our own expectations,” Mr Auld said.
“This culminated in having four Tasmanians drafted to play in the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s league and the development and growth of local competitions will encourage more young girls to play football next season.
The development of the Tasmanian Women’s Premier League and underpinning competitions in the regions will provide a clear pathway and launching pad for talented young players in years to come.
Mr Auld said Community football remained the cornerstone of our game in Tasmania, illustrated by the 12,800 (5.57 % growth) who participated in club-based football in 2016.
“We have also seen school-based competitions develop a strong presence with 15.83% growth in school football programs and competitions and the strength of these provides an opportunity to integrate with Community football more broadly.
Mr Auld said the figures presented also created a valuable opportunity to examine what is working well, and areas that need focus and actions.
“Despite strong overall figures, the data validates our push to invest in a development resource in the state’s north to help drive both schools and NAB AFL Auskick participation going forward,” Mr Auld said.
The data shows that Auskick numbers fell by 17% this year, however we are confident with an enhanced program offering in 2017 and with an additional development resource we can drive growth by reaching more schools and encouraging students to transition into Australian sport’s best underage participation program.
“Accelerating junior participation growth will be further supported by working very closely with the North Melbourne Football Club and their Next Generation Academy and looking to incorporate this concept into a combined schools approach.”
Building the base of our participation is a key focus over 2017 and beyond to ensure the strength of game continues to grow.
“As was experienced in other states, the move towards online registration and payment also impacted the number of Auskick participants, which we expect to bounce back this year after it worked effectively and allayed any concerns.”
“We are determined to ensure football remains the sport of choice for Tasmanian kids and the backbone of local communities.”
Rob Auld, CEO – AFL Tasmania 0412 339 271