The Essendon District Football League’s AGA Women’s Under 18.5 competition will become an Under 19 competition from the 2026 season onward to improve participation in the age group.
It was clear after reviewing available data and surveying all clubs that increasing the catchment of eligible players would assist our clubs in fielding teams each week.
More than two thirds of EDFL clubs supported the move with Women’s Under 18.5 team numbers decreasing significantly when compared to Under 16 and Open Age competitions since 2021.
There have been a disproportionate number of forfeits in the Women’s Under 18.5 competitions since 2023, as well as a reliance on Under 16-eligible girls topping up sides with nearly a quarter of all players eligible to play on the Sunday.
The extra year of underage football will also assist the transition into senior football.
