AFL Victoria is thrilled to announce a new two-year partnership with School Sport Victoria (SSV) to deliver Australian Football to students across the state and provide young footy players the opportunity to represent their school and the iconic Big V in the School Sport Australia Championships each year.
SSV and school football programs are a significant driver of community football participation in Victoria, with nearly 70,000 primary and high school students participating in the SSV interschool sport competition in 2024.
Team Victoria has long seen success at the School Sport Australia National Championships, including the Australian football team taking home three medals at last year's event.
Many prominant AFL and AFLW stars got their start through school football programs and SSV Team Vic. Some of the greats include Joel Selwood, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Dyson Heppell, Trent Cotchin and Bob Murphy.
Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria said:
“With over 69,000 students participating in Australian Football across primary and secondary school competitions, AFL Victoria’s partnership with School Sport Victoria remains important to the overall growth of football participation rates in Victoria," Madigan said.
"We are thrilled with this new agreement and are excited to work closely with SSV over the next 2-years to implement Australian Football for schools that will enhance the student experience and help more students love and connect with the game.”