The Gold Coast SUNS have thrown their support behind the introduction of the AFL’s Women’s League.

The AFL looks set to introduce the national competition, comprising of six teams for the 2017 season, with the prospect of expanding the league in future years.

Women’s football is going from strength to strength across the country, but participation number in Queensland are booming according to SUNS CEO Andrew Travis.

“The club is really looking forward to being a part of the new National Women’s league in the coming years. As recently as this week we met with the AFL and AFL Queensland in regards to the introduction of the competition,” said Travis.

“The current women’s competition is continuing thrive in Queensland, and we are very proud of our Under 17 youth girls team, the Gold Coast Sunsets, who won the 2015 AFL Queensland State Championship in October.”

Travis said the club would support the league as it aligns with the Gold Coast community’s expectations.

“The SUNS are a community based club, we are here because the Gold Coast community wanted an AFL club and was prepared to rise up and run a successful campaign to secure an AFL licence, and we know our community believes and supports women’s football.

“We have worked hard to promote the growth of AFL in Queensland, with participation in the women’s game, junior football Auskick up 82% overall,” Travis added.

Travis believes the introduction of the national league will not only assist to drive participation of AFL, but importantly will provide a pathway for Gold Coast women to play AFL at the highest level.

“We currently have women’s football programs, and would love to be given the opportunity to provide a pathway for women to play at the highest possible level, like we can with the SUNS Talent Academy and the Jarrod Harbrow Leadership Academy.”