Nine-a-Side Primary School Comp Launched

AFL Victoria and School Sport Victoria (SSV) have partnered to launch a nine-a-side Australian Rules Football competition for primary schools across the state, to be played in June and July. 

The competition for students in grades 4-6 will be played at venues across metropolitan and regional Victoria from mid-June, prior to the conclusion of term two and then again in July at the start of term three. 

Venues in Jacana, Casey, Kennington, Wangaratta, Barwon, Ringwood, Horsham and Newborough will host the competition. Four smaller playing fields will be set up on one ground, meaning 72 students can play simultaneously at a venue in a single-day, round robin format, maximizing participation and student involvement. 

Head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh, said: “Australian Rules Football plays such a prominent and important role in the Victorian school system and gives opportunities to tens of thousands of young boys and girls to play a team sport and get active every year. 

“The nine-a-side format we are launching for primary schools across Victoria is designed to get more kids playing football, whether they’re already involved or new to the game and wanting to learn new skills. 

“Smaller team sizes give schools more flexibility to participate, particularly where student numbers are lower. It’s an exciting time and we are really looking forward to seeing this program roll out.”

More than 68,000 primary school students participated in Australian Rules Football school programs across Victoria in 2022, an increase of 12,000 on 2021. Through initiatives like the nine-a-side competition, even more are expected to experience the game in schools this year. 

“AFL Victoria is proud of our long-standing association with School Sport Victoria and I want to thank SSV for their leadership in ensuring Australian Rules Football is accessible through their programs,” added Kavenagh.

For more information on AFL Victoria’s schools programs, contact Nicholas Holloway (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

2023 VICTORIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL 9-A-SIDE COMPETITION PROGRAM

Wed 21 June: Western Metropolitan Primary Region

South Barwon Reserve (20 teams)