In an exciting development the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) and Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) have worked together to bring four U18 Girls Division 1 teams in each league to combine for a crossover league for the remainder of the 2024 Season.
As the game of football evolves this exciting development provides an opportunity for teams to play in competitive matches across our regions. The affiliated competition launches this Sunday 16th June with two crossover matches and will finish with a finals series to award a competition premier.
Both leagues are excited to bring this competition to life and evolve the game for girls in both regions; and it is quite fitting that the competition is launched during the SMJFL’s inaugural Women & Girls Round.
SMJFL General Manager – Football Operations, Bree Vallance stated that "The SMJFL is always looking at ways to evolve our game and working alongside one of our fellow Metro Leagues is increasing the opportunities for our players and our own professional network. Launching this crossover competition during our Women and Girls Round is also a great support for all our female players, we wish everyone the best experience this Sunday and look forward to watching this space grow."
SMJFL Director of Pathways and Head of Female Football, Gab Suriano made the below comments on the new crossover league:
"Girl's footy is 150 years younger than boy's footy but the growth in the game is exponential. We know that we have to do things differently in order to continue the growth trajectory and make sure that all of the girls within the SMJFL are in environments where they can learn and grow. We're excited to partner with the YJFL on this initiative; who are as passionate about women in football as we are!"
Echoing Gab’s comments, YJFL Girls Football & Inclusion Manager , Kate McCarthy said the below:
“The YJFL is excited at the opportunity that the Youth Girls Crossover competition presents to our four current Division 1 Youth Girls teams. This will give our teams an opportunity to develop as players and play a wider variety of opponents for the remainder of the season.
We are thankful for the work the SMJFL has done alongside the YJFL to help this idea come to fruition. We also thank the AFL for their support and assistance in forming this unique competition. It is an exciting initiative for both leagues, and we cannot wait to see the teams playing against each other.”
Both leagues are grateful of the support from AFL Victoria in establishing this affiliated league.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan commented:
“I commend the SMJFL and YJFL for coming together and establishing the joint under 18 girls division 1 competition, which puts the best interests of the players, their clubs and the game first.
“Having this combined competition promises to enhance the experience for the girls involved and provide the participants with a strong competition comprising eight teams. At a time when girls football continues to grow, seeing leagues and clubs evolve and adapt to the needs of the players and the clubs is fantastic and I’m excited to see the combined under 18 girls competition play out. I wish all involved a great football experience.”
For the historians amongst us the last ever VFL/AFL match played on WT Peterson Oval in August 1966 was between Fitzroy and St Kilda and this weekend in our crossover league, history will be repeated when the Fitzroy U18 Youth Girls play St Kilda City U18 Youth Girls.
To view the fixture, please click here
