The inaugural National Female Indigenous Kickstart Championships will be held in Melbourne at Victoria Park this afternoon, with seven teams to be represented at the U18 level. 

Supported by the Coles AFL Indigenous Program and The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), AFL Head of Diversity Jason Mifsud said the five-day Championships ensure the AFL is growing the reach and impact with Indigenous Australia.

“The National Female Kickstart Championships is the first targeted female Indigenous strategy pursued to support the key objective of driving participation and talent outcomes.

“It will also enable the AFL to drive other social outcomes such as health, education, leadership and employment objectives with Indigenous females.

“We would like to thank FaHCSIA for its significant contribution to the National Female Kickstart Championships and Coles for its tremendous support and commitment to the Coles AFL Indigenous program.” 

The Championships will form the basis for selection to compete in the National Female Youth Championships as part of the AFL Indigenous Female Youth team. The AFL’s Chris Johnson and Xavier Clarke will head the selection process.