The "Girls in Green" program has concluded its first edition after a productive four weeks, marking AFL Northern Territory’s (AFLNT) successful rebranding of the previous "First Bounce" initiative, which has since seen the “First Bounce” program transition into an environment where both males and females could become proficient in the fundamentals of umpiring.
Designed to introduce women and girls to umpiring in AFL, the new-look program certainly achieved its goal of fostering growth and building connections within the sport.
Under the guidance of facilitators Jade Farey, Paige King, and Chelsea Wright, "Girls in Green" engaged 20 participants from various backgrounds, including experienced players, volunteers, and newcomers to AFL. The program provided a structured environment where participants could develop their umpiring skills and gain a new, deeper understanding of the game.
A key aspect of "Girls in Green" was to support the growth of female umpiring in alignment with the rapidly expanding AFLW. By creating a space dedicated to women and girls, the program aimed to enhance their involvement and visibility in the sport. The program's final on-boarding session at the Michael Long Learning Leadership Center highlighted the participants’ progress and the successful integration of new umpires into the AFL Northern Territory community.
This initiative represents a significant step towards increasing gender diversity in AFL umpiring. The positive reception and successful outcomes from "Girls in Green" reflect its effectiveness in addressing the needs of female participants and contributing to the overall development of the sport.
With the program wrapped up, it is clear that "Girls in Green" has laid a strong foundation for future efforts to include more women and girls in umpiring roles. The commitment of everyone involved has set a promising precedent for further advancements in this area, aligning with the ongoing growth of the AFLW and enhancing the inclusivity of Australian Rules Football in the Northern Territory.