East Coast to enter Women’s Premier Division

Image courtesy of East Coast Eagles Media.

 

AFL Sydney is pleased to announce that the East Coast Eagles have been awarded an AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division licence from next season.

AFL Sydney recently completed a submission process for a vacant position within the competition that opened up when the Auburn Giants and Penrith Ramettes advised AFL Sydney that they would not be continuing their Joint Venture (JV) arrangement in 2019.

The opportunity was provided to all Clubs to put in a submission, with AFL Sydney receiving two applications. Following a considered review process, the East Coast Eagles have been successful in their application for entry into the Premier Division competition. East Coast’s application best met the criteria for participation, noting that the application received from Penrith was assessed based on them being a new club, not under the JV arrangement.

The Eagles introduced female football in 2017 where their inaugural team competed in the AFL Sydney Women’s Division One competition. They continued to grow on and off the field in 2018, putting the club in a good position to transition into the Women’s Premier Division for the 2019 season.

AFL Sydney Community Football Manager, Lauren Bunting said she is pleased to welcome the Eagles into the Women’s Premier Division competition next season.

“AFL Sydney congratulates the East Coast Eagles on joining the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division competition in 2019,” says Bunting.

“We are looking forward to seeing the Eagles play at the highest level of Women’s community football in Sydney.

“The Eagles have set up a thriving female football program in the fast growing North-West region of Sydney. With strong local connections and clear pathways from junior to senior football, and an extremely strong coaching and executive group, they will continue to drive their female football program to the next level.

“AFL Sydney is looking forward to working closely with the Eagles to offer them any support necessary to ensure that they are ready for next season both on and off the field.”

President of the East Coast Eagles, Jon Gawley said the club is thrilled with the announcement.

“This progression into Women’s Premier Division enables our club to build on the momentum of growing youth and providing a strong pathway for talented women in the region to play at the highest level,” said Gawley.

“Our bid to expand and move up to the next level has been thanks to the hard work of a large number of key stakeholders in our football club. We are grateful for the confirmed opportunity.”

Those interested in joining the East Coast Eagles should visit their website for more details,  eastcoasteagles.com.au.

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