Junior football in northern Tasmania is poised for significant growth, with new Under 8 competitions for boys and girls launching in May.
The Northern Tasmania Junior Football Association (NTJFA) announced the new competitions following a comprehensive review undertaken with AFL Tasmania late last year.
The review outlined an ambitious vision to position northern Tasmania as a national leader in junior football participation per capita.
NTJFA President Josh Nast said the new competition would create genuine growth across the region.
“It gives families another entry point into our game, and the continued expansion of the girls’ pathway is an opportunity we should all be excited to build together,” he said.
The competitions will run on Sunday afternoons during Term 2 at Kings Meadows High School, with most NTJFA clubs participating alongside some external clubs.
Players will compete under the AFL’s recommended junior rules, designed to engage children regardless of their football ability or experience.
All participating clubs will also operate NAB AFL Auskick centres, including all-girls programs, to create a clear pathway from grassroots programs into community football.
Nast said the initiative would help create lasting memories for young players.
“I’m reminded of my time as a club president, watching the excitement in our children’s eyes as they pulled on their club colours for the first time,” he said.
“Every time we give young children a chance to pull on their club colours and play in an environment that suits their stage of development, we’re setting them up for long-term success.”
The new format aims to encourage more clubs to field entry-level teams and strengthen the junior football pathway across Tasmania.
