Drafting in a new crop of North West recruits

Momentum is building in the junior age group space with numerous school and community based programs being delivered across the North West region.

Led by Khobi Devine, the first full time Development Co-ordinator in the region, programs are already underway in eight schools in Gunnedah, Inverell, Armidale, Tamworth, Narrabri, and Quirindi, with over 800 students engaging with AFL and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“The students that have been involved in our programs come from a variety of school year groups, meaning that they’re all potential recruits for the new Under 10 and Under 12 age groups. At the end of each program we’ll provide the students with details of their local clubs to ensure that we make transition into club footy as easy as possible,” Devine said.

And the current programs are just the tip of the iceberg, with planning underway to run programs in at least six more schools before the season gets underway. This includes both Glen Innes and Moree, as well as the towns that have already been targeted.

Then there’s two days of Paul Kelly Cup competition for primary schools in Inverell on 23 March and Gunnedah on 4 April, as well as the Sydney Swans Community Camp in early March when Swans players will be in region. The latter event will include a well known AFLW player and a series of events specifically targeting Youth Girls in numerous towns.

Add to this the local footy clubs that have already run come and try events, and its an all out recruitment blitz from all arms of the AFL fraternity!

“The response to date from schools, students, and footy clubs has been overwhelming and bodes really well for the 2023 AFL North West Junior Competition. We’re expecting really strong growth across the Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and Youth Girls 17 age groups, which will make this year’s Junior competition the biggest and best yet,” said Devine.

To find your local footy club and join the ranks, go to play.afl/play/club-finder.