Female Participation thriving across AFL Barwon clubs and competitions

AFL Barwon is proud to release its inaugural Female Participation Report, highlighting the strength of female involvement across football and netball throughout the Barwon region in 2026. 

Coinciding with the Female Festival of Sport, a week dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the contributions of women in sport across the region, these participation figures demonstrate the significant role women and girls play within our sporting community. Their involvement is an integral part of the success, growth and future of community football and netball, both on and off the field.

Across AFL Barwon-governed football and netball competitions and club programs, 13,114 female players have participated this year, representing 45 per cent of all registered participants across the region.

Netball continues to lead female participation, with 9,649 players taking part across both the winter and summer seasons. The 13 & Under section recorded the highest participation of any age division, with 2,181 players, highlighting the strong pathway of young girls entering and enjoying community sport.

Female football has also continued its positive trajectory, recording 3,465 registered participants across all competitions and programs. Of those, 616 players competed in the Epworth Senior Female Football competitions, demonstrating the continued strength and sustainability of the senior female game across the region.

Participation is further reflected in the number of teams taking the field and court throughout the year, with 932 female teams competing across AFL Barwon competitions, comprising 840 netball teams and 92 football teams.

Women are also making an enormous contribution in leadership and officiating roles across community sport. In 2026, 897 registered female coaches are supporting players across the region, including 833 netball coaches and 64 football coaches. There are also 430 female umpires officiating competitions (370 netball umpires and 60 football umpires).

Collectively, these figures represent more than 15,000 registered female participants across playing, coaching and umpiring roles throughout the Barwon region. 

Importantly, these numbers do not capture the thousands of female volunteers, committee members, team managers, trainers, administrators, canteen volunteers and club supporters who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes each week to ensure community football and netball continues to thrive.

The participation statistics reflect the continued growth of female sport across the region and the positive impact of clubs that have embraced inclusive environments, invested in female programs and created opportunities for women and girls to play, coach, officiate and lead.

AFL Barwon CEO Kate Patterson said the figures were a testament to the commitment of clubs and volunteers in providing opportunities for women and girls across the region. 

“These participation numbers are a fantastic reflection of the work being done across our football and netball community to ensure women and girls have every opportunity to be involved in our competitions” Patterson said.

"Whether it's as a player, coach, umpire, volunteer or administrator, women are making an enormous contribution to community sport throughout the Barwon region. It's particularly pleasing to see strong participation at the junior level, which provides an exciting foundation for the future of female football and netball." 

"The Female Festival of Sport is about celebrating these achievements while also recognising the people behind the scenes who continue to create welcoming, inclusive and supportive environments for women and girls. We thank every club, volunteer and participant for the role they play in making our community stronger through sport."