The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are delighted to announce the club will field a team in the new National Women’s League (NWL) in 2017.
The AFL today announced that the GIANTS were one of eight AFL clubs to secure a licence to field a team in the inaugural year of the NWL.
The GIANTS’ successful bid detailed the club’s experience in establishing a new AFL team, it’s capacity to house a women’s team immediately and its commitment to driving inclusion and diversity in the New South Wales and ACT communities.
GIANTS CEO David Matthews said today’s decision was a watershed moment for the game and for female athletes in New South Wales and the ACT.
“This is one of the most significant announcements in the game’s history and certainly one of the most important things the GIANTS will ever do,” Mr Matthews said.
“Today’s decision opens up a clear pathway for women and girls looking to play Australian Football at the elite level. The opportunity this provides females in New South Wales and the ACT is unprecedented.
“We’re pleased our bid has been vindicated and our commitment to the promotion and development of female sport has been recognised by the AFL. We are in the unique positon of having a proven track record when it comes to building a club from the ground up. We know what it takes to establish a new team and take the game to all corners of the community from day one.
“Our objectives in establishing a women’s AFL team are also aligned to the AFL’s broader strategic aims of providing comprehensive pathways for female athletes and developing a truly national code.
“We have world class facilities and play out of some of the best stadia in the country which will provide the ideal platform for growing the women’s game. We are proud to be the flag bearers for female athletes looking to play Australian Football in New South Wales and the ACT and can’t wait for the inaugural NWL season to get under way next year.”
The GIANTS will now work with the AFL on planning for the inaugural NWL season with further details of the 2017 NWL competition forthcoming in due course.