YJFL Launches Kickstart Girls Competition for Under 8 and Under 9s
- YJFL
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) is proud to announce the launch of its new Kickstart Girls Competition in 2026, providing a dedicated, stand-alone competition for Under 8 and Under 9 girls.
Designed as an entry-level pathway, the Kickstart Girls Competition supports girls transitioning from Auskick and sets them on a clear development journey through to Youth Girls football within the YJFL’s stand-alone girls competitions.
In 2025, nearly 40 per cent of participants in the Under 9 girls competition were Under 8 players. The introduction of the Kickstart Girls name better reflects the purpose of the competition - to kickstart girls’ involvement in Australian Rules football in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.
The competition focuses on delivering an enjoyable match-day experience, featuring smaller team sizes to maximise involvement, along with modified tackling rules to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for players of all abilities.
The launch of the Kickstart Girls Competition builds on the YJFL’s ongoing commitment to female football, following the completion of the league’s Women & Girls Community Football Charter last year. The Charter reinforces the YJFL’s dedication to growing, supporting and celebrating female participation across all levels of the league.
Registrations for the 2026 season are now open for girls. To find your nearest YJFL club and get started, click the link below. To play in the Kickstart Girls Competition you must be born between 1 January 2017 and 30 April 2019.
