In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Greater Western Sydney GIANTS and The Hills Shire Council teamed up to provide an opportunity for local up-and-coming female AFL players to experience an elite training session with the GIANTS AFLW team.
Young women from Baulkham Hills Hawks AFL Club, East Coast Eagles and the Kellyville/Rouse Hill Magpies were invited to tour the GIANTS training facility in Sydney Olympic Park on March 9.
The eager junior players enjoyed motivational talks given by two AFLW players, Renee Forth and Maddy Collier, before GIANTS chef, Tony Crossin, educated the youngsters on healthy nutrition and the types of meals and snack options he prepares for players.
The clinic ended on a high, with junior players running through skill development and training drills with GIANTS training staff.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane said the International Women’s Day AFL Clinic celebrated the achievements of women in society and the success of the AFLW.
“This year’s theme – ‘Be Bold for Change’ – acknowledges that it is change that brings each generation of women further than the last, and it will be change that leads us into the future,” Mayor Keane said.
“The first-ever GIANTS women’s team is an example of the positive changes being made in Australian sports, as well as advancements being made by women all around the world in different areas including technology, science, medicine and much more.
“These wonderful, incredible and super talented women are heroes for the thousands of young girls wanting to play AFL at an elite level. Because of these women now, the next generation of footy players will have the freedom to excel at the highest possible level.
“I want to thank the GIANTS for providing this amazing opportunity to our residents and I am really excited for the future and growth of women’s football,” Mayor Keane added.
GIANTS AFLW marquee player Renee Forth said the clinic was “a great celebration of the growth of women’s football”.
“It was terrific to have so many talented and enthusiastic juniors join us for the event,” Forth said.
“Hopefully seeing the facilities first-hand will help inspire some of the girls to aim to one day be part of this exciting AFL women’s competition.
“The Hills Shire is an important area for the GIANTS and we look forward to many more events like this to continue to grow this partnership,” she said.
Earlier in the year, Council partnered with the GIANTS to create a community partnership program that will connect residents with the major national sporting club and all they have to offer.
Over the next few months, local seniors, young people, the Chinese community and others will have an opportunity to interact with the team both at local sports fields and at the GIANTS headquarters through a range of fun and engaging activities that address nutrition, exercise and skills development.
The next sports workshop will be held in April to celebrate Youth Week
