MELBOURNE has officially been awarded an inaugural licence in the AFL National Women’s League.
The AFL granted licences to eight clubs on Wednesday following a lengthy application process.
Joining Melbourne in the competition are Adelaide, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney and Western Bulldogs.
Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson said the National Women’s League was an exciting opportunity for the club to build on its long-term support of women’s football.
“We are proud to be one of the inaugural clubs in the National Women’s League,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“The Melbourne Football Club takes great pride in our history of supporting women and girls who play football.
“We believe that women and girls should be represented and respected at all levels and areas of the game and the National Women’s League will play an important role in achieving this goal.
“Today’s announcement is significant because of the opportunities it creates for women and girls across the football industry.
“We look forward to fielding a team in the competition in 2017 while continuing the work we do at all levels of female participation.”
Melbourne has been a pioneer in the women’s football space at both the elite and grassroots levels.
The club successfully lobbied the AFL to hold an officially sanctioned women’s match in 2013 and has fielded teams in the AFL Women’s Exhibition Games since, with the first televised game taking place against the Western Bulldogs in 2015.
Melbourne has been a major sponsor of the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) since 2009 and has also partnered with female football programs at Melbourne Girls Grammar and Hallam Sports Academy.
In addition to supporting Youth Girls competitions in the South Metro Junior Football League and South East Juniors, Melbourne has driven initiatives including all-girls Auskick clinics and visits to schools and junior club.
The club has also led the way in driving support for both female coaches and individuals coaching women’s and girls’ football.
Michelle Cowan joined Melbourne as its women’s team coach in 2013 and has since been appointed to the role of player development coach.
The club has provided opportunities to VWFL coaches to play a role in the AFL Women’s Exhibition Games, while also running coaches forums within local leagues.
Melbourne will continue to drive a range of initiatives that support women and girls in football.
It sees the introduction of the National Women’s League as the beginning of an exciting journey to come.
Melbourne encourages all women and girls to dream bigger.
Daisy Pearce is the current captain of the Melbourne Football Club women's team. Player selections have not been made for the National Women's League commencing in 2017.
