It is bold new territory for Aussie Rules in the region with hopes of raising a north west junior competition in 2016.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The plan is that junior teams will piggyback on existing senior clubs in the Tamworth Australian Football League (TAFL), including the Gunnedah Bulldogs AFC.
AFL NSW/ACT development manager Matthew Crawley said the venture, which targeted kids aged 12-16 years, would be a first for the area with no competition of its kind held before.
The Auskick clinics for 5-12 year olds have already proven a success at 25 schools around the north west.
Crawley hoped the new competition would bridge the divide between Auskick and senior football.
“We’ve had a big void there in the past,” he said.
The new program also aimed to provide a clear pathway for those wishing to pursue an Aussie Rules career further.
“It’s a big step but the feedback we’ve been getting is there’s quite a bit of enthusiasm,” he said.
“We hope the majority of TAFL clubs will enter a team.”
Gunnedah Bulldogs spokesman John Woolaston backed the move.
He said any plans to develop the game in the region were a positive step forward.
“I’m sure there are kids that have wanted to play but haven’t been able to,” John said.
“This will give them that option.”
Woolaston and his Bulldogs team-mates hosted a number of school-based skills clinics earlier this year.
They planned to expand into more schools next season.
A junior committee has also been touted to help steer players and coaches in the right direction.
To help promote the code, AFL NSW/ACT will host free come and try sessions at various North West locations next week. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.
The Gunnedah come and try day will be held at Wolseley Oval on Monday, November 30, from 4-5.30pm.