VAFA Women’s: A competition open to everyone

The VAFA Women’s competition burst onto the scene in 2017. And, since then the trajectory has been going up, and up, and up despite the impact of COVID-19 that forced the cancellation of the 2020 season, and the abandonment of season 2021. 

The competition has returned this season with the message from new CEO, Jason Reddick “the VAFA is a competition that is open to everyone.”

In an exclusive interview with Inside the Boundary (the VAFA’s dedicated women’s podcast), Reddick discussed the evolving steps to stabilise the VAFA Women’s competition, and keeping a firm eye on growing the competition beyond 2022. 

“How we can support our clubs dealing with the lack of participants, lack of volunteers and lack of umpires coming out of COVID. Reconnecting is the biggest thing we can deliver to our community clubs, and bringing people back into the fold.” he said. 

“(In coming weeks) We’ll survey all our clubs and we want to get feedback. we want to be an organisation that reflects our stakeholders and their values… We want to consolidate our existing clubs on a longer term path. And, once that’s established, we’ll look to grow the competition and invite more clubs that want to be part of the VAFA.” 

There will be a number of factors making up the upcoming survey to be released to all VAFA clubs. The feedback provided will form a lot of new initiatives for the competition, as well as an indication on how VAFA HQ can work with the clubs. 

• The growth and development of the women’s game
• Environment in which women are playing the game
• Inclusive of all backgrounds

“Everything we do is about trying to improve and get better. The VAFA is a competition that is available to everyone no matter what their religion, background, gender or any characteristics they may have. We’re open to everyone.” 

As the Women’s competition has a bye this weekend, once returning to the field is the run home to finals. William Buck Premier Women’s have 4 home and away games remaining, while Premier B – Division 3 Women’s have a fortnight to fine-tune before the finals. 

Reddick was pleased to announce an official VAFA Women’s Grand Final Luncheon will be held this year, recognising the 2 clubs participating in the William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final, and also the contribution all clubs have made to getting season 2022 off the ground. 

“The smell of cut grass at spring time, new leather footy’s and the ball zinging around and everyone is feeling great after coming through the winter sludge.”

“There’s excitement around finals football and finals time, everyone gets a pep in their step when they’re part of it.” said Reddick when asked about being able to award Premiership medallions for the first time since 2019.  

New editions of Inside The Boundary with Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright are available every Thursday during the VAFA Women’s season, right through until the 2022 William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final.