AFL New Zealand is excited to announce the return of the Youth Competition commencing in October 2017. The return will mark the third year of the competition after two hugely successful competitions in the past two years.
The Youth Competition for boys and girls has been created to compliment the pathway for participants to enjoy and excel in AFL.
It has a focus on improving athletes’ skills and fitness within a fun environment. This is achieved through a training, game and development programme that highlights the necessary requirements throughout the pathway.
The game for everyone, this year will also see senior returning players play a key leadership role to help grow the game.
The Youth Boys competition will be based in two major centres in Auckland and Wellington with two age groups U14 & U17. The Youth Girls will be based in both Auckland and Wellington featuring an U17 age group.
Each age group includes a combination of skill development – kicking, catching, passing and bouncing – game play and personal development that takes place throughout New Zealand. This combination will lead to a number of opportunities for participants including AFL New Zealand Academy selection, New Zealand representation, National Combine selection, access to talent scouts and AFL International Scholarships.
There are several National Academy and age group teams, Academy Level 1, Academy Level 2, New Zealand Kahu Youth Girls and New Zealand U18. These teams are selected from the respective Academy levels and either tour in Australia or play a touring Australian based team in April each year.
For further information and player registration, go to youth.aflnz.co.nz
