The 2024 Marsh AFL National Development Championships for U16 Girls kicked off last weekend with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy set to play their first match this Friday, April 12. 

The championships is the highest standard of representative state and territory football for aspiring talented footballers and shines a spotlight on upcoming AFL and AFLW talent. Bronwyn Gulden will serve as head coach alongside Kristie Whittard as team manager. 

"The championships are a great platform for young athletes to experience playing football against some of the best players in their age group from around the country," Gulden told Sydney Swans Media. 

"This provides the opportunity for players to showcase their ability at a much higher level and standard than they would have played at previously and to be a part of a squad where their positions and roles may be challenged."

The Championships features 10 teams competing across two pools, with matches to be played across four states in a nine-day period from Sunday, April 7 to Monday, April 15. The teams that finish top of the standings for each pool will be crowned title winners.

The Swans are set to play Northern Territory at Blacktown International Sportspark this Friday at 6:00pm. The team will play their second match against Tasmania in Blacktown on Monday, April 15 at 11:15am. 

"Our lead up to this competition has been to focus on understanding the strengths of the individual and really harnessing that, whilst implementing more game structure and role playing from a group perspective," the head coach added. 

The squad features 33 young athletes with Gulden praising the depth of this year's U16 age group. 

"So far, we have seen some good consistent footy from Evie Bowie, Ashleigh Barlow, Aurelia Russell and Heidi De Saxe but there are a number of players representing the Academy who will be playing some very good football over these championships."

At the conclusion of the Championships each team will select their MVP, with an overall MVP and All Australian team to also be selected by a panel comprising AFL Talent Pathways staff and AFLW recruiters.

Game 1
QBE Sydney Swans Academy v Northern Territory
Friday, April 12
6:00pm AEST
Blacktown International Sportspark

Game 2
QBE Sydney Swans Academy v Tasmania
Monday, April 15
11:15am AEST
Blacktown International Sportspark

Squad

The Sydney Swans Foundation are proud to provide funding to nurturing the pipeline of young athletes coming through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, fostering on and off field success.  If you too would like to show your support, consider donating today.