WA Football

Western Australia’s State 18s Women’s team has been training since early February as it gears up for the National Championships in Adelaide in May.

A squad of 23 has been chosen so far with a total team size of 27 to be selected for the Champiosnhips.

The squad is a true representation of WA, with girls included from all over the state, some from as far away as the Pilbara, Albany and the South West.

Head Coach Michelle Harris has led the way, showing dedication with her massive commitment travelling up and back from Bunbury twice a week to coach the girls.

So far the team has received specialist coaching sessions from WA Talent Academy coach Rob Wiley, West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui, South Fremantle’s Paul Mugambwa, and tackling and physical presence training sessions from Dr Les Fabre.

Talented schoolgirl football players are encouraged to try out for the 2012 State Schoolgirls Team for the chance to travel to the National Carnival in July.

Trials are being held next weekend for girls 16 years or younger (as at 31/12/12).

Times and locations include Hands Oval in Bunbury on Friday 30 March from 3:30-5pm, and All Saints’ College, Bull Creek on Saturday 31 March from 10am-2pm.

The Final Squad will travel to South Australia to play in the National Carnival in late July against teams including South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and the ACT.

WA is building up a coaching storm with women taking up the opportunity to get involved with high level coaching. Nicole Graves, pictured, was the first AFL Level 3 accredited female coach in the whole of Australia and is very generous with her time, conducting clinics and sharing her skills and knowledge with other keen young male and female coaches.

More recently, the South West institute of Technology in Bunbury began proudly hosting three female lecturers who have just achieved their AFL Level 2 coaching accreditation. Deb Andrews, Michelle Harris and Tash Grosse are sport development lecturers who saw the opportunity to further their coaching skills.

Grab a group of friends together and join in the new and exciting game for everyone that is sweeping the nation, AFL 9s!

AFL 9’s is footy with modified rules to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy the game.

The games are 2 x 20 minute halves, the field is smaller with 3 playing zones (forwards, midfield and backs), only 9 players per team on the field at once, the football is smaller and lighter and the game is non contact.

THE West Australian Football Commission has appointed coaches to the WA Women’s State 18s squad for the 2012 Youth Girls National 18s Championships in Adelaide in May.

The appointments include: