Sport
12 May, 2023
Cape York and Torres Strait footballers make history
SIXTEEN young female footballers from the tip of Queensland have made history when they competed against the region’s best schoolgirl sides in Cairns.
It was the first time a team north of Cairns – from the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and Torres Strait – has entered the junior girls division for the AFLQ Schools Cup.
For most of the under-15 players, it was their first ever competitive game of Australian Rules Football.
The high school students travelled more than 1000km to participate.
The NPA and Thursday Island team played six games in the one-day competition.
The team finished third overall with three wins and a narrow one-point loss in a tight contest against Smithfield State High School.
They also played St Andrew’s, Newman and St Monica’s colleges and Cairns and Redlynch state high schools.
Coach and AFL Cape York development coordinator Kieran Sciberras said the code was creating positive opportunities for young people in remote Queensland communities.
“AFL Cape York works hard to bring footy to remote communities across Cape York and the Torres Strait,” he said.
“Thanks to sponsors and grant funding, AFL Cape York has been able to cover all player expenses including flights to Cairns, accommodation and registration so there’s no cost to families.”
Mr Sciberras said the trip was about more than just football.
“These young footballers have been selected by their schools based on positive behaviour, school attendance and sporting ability,” he said.
The trip included a visit to AFL Cape York girls boarding house in Cairns to experience student life down south.
“These types of experiences can go a long way towards bright futures on and off the field,” Mr Sciberras said.
“We want young people from remote communities to have exposure, not only to football, but also education and life opportunities.”
He said there was growing interest and player participation in the code.
“Some families up north have never had the chance to play or watch a game of Aussie Rules, but that’s changing,” he said.
“The natural sporting talent across the region is unreal, many young people excel across codes, including when they pick up a Sherrin.
“The day a player from the NPA or Torres Strait region is drafted to the AFL or AFLW will be an absolute game changer.”
In 2022, AFL Cape York ran football clinics in more than 40 communities from Cooktown north to Saibai near the Papua New Guinea (PNG) border.
For more information follow AFL Cape York on Facebook and Instagram.
