THE health of football is in good shape with 160,000 Victorians lacing up boots in community club competitions across the state.
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With 180 new community teams in 2016, participation has risen by eight per cent, up from 148,000 players in 2015.
The number of females picking up football in 2016 continued to rise, with new female club teams this year alone taking it to a total of 355 dedicated female teams, providing for over 9,000 females.
Female youth club team numbers almost doubled this season with a 48 per cent increase in participation of under-18 girls, while female numbers in NAB AFL Auskick expanded to 4,621.
Victorians have embraced the social form of the game with more than 4,300 people participating in AFL 9s competitions.
Future AFL stars continue to bloom in school football competitions, with participation numbers jumping nine per cent to climb to 118,530 and 1,930 kids involved in Access All Abilities programs in schools.
Umpiring saw a six percent rise, with 2,320 new umpires recruited to boost numbers to 7,148.
Accredited coaches are also on the up 11 per cent with 15,326 coaches on board.
AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper said it was pleasing to see the cornerstone of Australian Football continue to thrive.
“While season 2016 has seen growth in many aspects of the game, it is pleasing to see club football - the traditional market of Australian Football, continue to grow and be the sport of choice for many Victorians.
“Our strong female numbers this season has allowed community leagues to establish their own female competitions in 2017, while the introduction of the Swisse VFL women’s competition and the commencement of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition next year is inspiring future generations of female footballers to take up opportunities to get involved in our game.”