South Coogee Junior Football Club: A Trailblazer in Female AFL Development

At the heart of South Coogee Junior Football Club is a deep commitment to empowering female talent in AFL. Since launching our All-Girls football program in 2017, we’ve been on an exciting journey, creating opportunities for girls of all ages to shine both on and off the field.

In 2018, we proudly introduced our first all-girls Year 7/8 team. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and strong sense of camaraderie laid a solid foundation for the success of the program. By 2021 and 2022, our club had grown significantly, fielding five teams across school years 3 to 12.

This growth has been marked by some truly memorable achievements. In 2019, our inaugural Year 9/10 girls team claimed the premiership, a remarkable feat they repeated in 2020. Our Year 11/12 team made a strong run to the grand final in 2021, finishing as runners-up, before going on to secure the Peel Districts Championship title in 2022.

Our focus on player development extends beyond the club. Many of our talented players have advanced through AFL pathways, representing South Fremantle in the Rogers Cup and various state teams, while others have played league football for clubs like South Fremantle and Claremont. Additionally, we’re proud to see several of our girls stepping into umpiring roles, gaining valuable experience, staying active, and contributing to the growth of the game in new ways.

In 2024, we continued our tradition of excellence, with our Year 7/8, Year 9/10, and Year 11/12 teams all making it to the finals. The Year 11/12 team capped off the season with another well-earned premiership victory, reinforcing our commitment to developing champions on and off the field.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to expand our female football program even further, with plans to field teams across all age groups. We’ll also host an introductory girls’ football program in February 2025, welcoming new players into our vibrant community.

We’re equally focused on growing our female coaching ranks, creating more opportunities for women to contribute to the game, inspire young athletes, and help shape the future of AFL.

For inquiries about joining our female football program or becoming part of our coaching team, please email us at president@scjfc.com.au. Together, let’s continue building pathways for girls in AFL and celebrating the incredible talent within our community.