A Crows team has been granted entry into the inaugural AFL’s National Women’s League.
The joint submission with AFLNT was among the eight successful applicants recognised by the AFL at an official ceremony at the MCG.
Crows Chairman Rob Chapman said the announcement is a landmark moment for the Club and sport in general.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new era for everyone in the Crows family and footy fans across the country,” Chapman said.
“We have been one of the loudest and most passionate voices in advocating for a national women’s league and have long demonstrated a commitment to gender diversity.
“It is fantastic that girls and young women can now aspire to play for the Crows and realise their dream of a career in football.”
Crows Chief Executive Andrew Fagan said there had already been strong community and corporate interest in Adelaide’s latest team.
Female participation rates have also increased across South Australia since the Club first flagged its determination and commitment to the women’s league.
“Together with AFLNT, our Club is thrilled to be part of such an historic development for the game,” Fagan said.
“Our goal is to make the Crows the club of choice for women and girls, whether as participants, administrators or fans, and participating in the inaugural women’s league season is a significant step forward.
“This team will provide a clear and well-supported pathway for females in our State and Northern Territory to pursue a career at the highest level.”
AFLNT Chief Executive Michael Solomon said aspiring athletes in the Northern Territory had a great deal to be excited about.
“This is great news for our community, not just the AFL players and footy supporters but for all sports fans in the Northern Territory and South Australia," Solomon said.
"We will be part of a national competition that opens doors and lays out the possibilities for everyone, not least of all the smallest participants in our Auskick programs.
“We will have a team to unite behind and cheer on come the start of 2017.”
The Crows have already assembled an experienced panel, including Head of Football David Noble and high performance expert Jane Woodlands-Thompson, to conduct the search for a Senior Coach, while a detailed analysis of talent across the country is well underway.
