Regional wrap: Greater Western Sydney

AFL has always had a presence in Western Sydney but as the GWS GIANTS put the region on the AFL map, football at all levels has prospered for a hugely successful 2012 season.

“The introduction of the GIANTS to the AFL has radically increased the awareness and participation in AFL throughout the region,” said Dean Connors, Manager – Greater Western Sydney Region.

“From Auskickers to school carnivals, all the way up to senior level, AFL has thrived in Greater Western Sydney in 2012.”

2012 saw club Auskick transition to Sundays which resulted in a 43 per cent growth in participation. The region was also number one in the state for community Auskick and number one for census numbers with 39,814 AFL participants.

There was a significant growth in inter-school AFL competitions with successful teacher professional development courses conducted throughout the region as well as the implementation of a full time AFL sports program at Westfields Sports High School.

Goal posts were installed in 11 schools with a goal post blitz installing posts in seven schools in just two days.

The GIANTS did their part to promote the game in the region, hosting three club night events throughout the year where clubs conducted training sessions with the GIANTS players and coaches at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP).

The implementation of the GWS GIANTS schools program generated more than 2000 extra AFL participants and encouraged over 30 Level One accredited teachers to run their own AFL programs.

“The GIANTS players have been fantastic role-models for the game and the kids love seeing their idols at club training sessions and in the community,” Connors said.

This season saw the GIANTS’ reserves side form a partnership with the University of Western Sydney (UWS) and play in the NEAFL competition. As part of the partnership, over 130 UWS students were also involved in AFL programs to complete their practical hours contributing to their associated degrees.

120 school ambassadors from the region attended the GWS GIANTS-Sydney Swans Derby match at ANZ Stadium and the growth in the ambassador program means the region now boasts 367 ambassadors, the most in the state.

Staff from the AFL NSW/ACT GWS office assisted with match days for NEAFL games at BISP, GIANTS games at Skoda Stadium and co-ordinated NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches at BISP and Bruce Purser Reserve in Kellyville.

The region also played host to key matches at all AFL levels including the under 16s National Championships, the Blacktown Sports Festival, the Auskick season launch, Paul Kelly Cup regional and state finals, GIANTS NEAFL and AFL matches and AFL Sydney finals.

The redevelopment of the Sydney Showground to become the GIANTS’ home ground, Skoda Stadium, was completed in May and the region has grown to include almost 50 AFL venues across the area.

Upgrades are also planned for Whalan Reserve in Penrith, Gipps Road Oval in Greystanes, George Park in Bathurst and Monarch Oval in Campbelltown.

2013 will see all Junior and Youth club football move to Sundays and further integration of AFL into schools with the support of the GIANTS.

Growth of the AFL 9s competition will be a focus and the increase of half time Auskick opportunities at all Sydney-based AFL games.

AFL NSW/ACT will also strengthen their partnerships with the GIANTS and UWS to take the game to more and more people in the local community.

“While 2012 was a fantastic year for the region, we are looking forward to bigger and better things in 2013,” Connors said.

“We will hopefully see more success for the GIANTS which will encourage and excite the people of Greater Western Sydney.”