North Coast Force is bigger and stronger than ever!

Photo: Brad Greenshields

The North Coast Force has announced its strongest representative teams yet, with the standard being driven by a record number of players nominating to trial.

For the first ever time, well over 200 players took part in the trial process, with coaches forced to have to make tough selection calls for each team.

A further landmark for the program is in the inclusion of a Youth Girls 15 team, which means that 2023 will see AFL North Coast fielding teams in each male and female age group first time. It was only twelve months ago that the Force added a Youth Girls 13 team and this rapid expansion is a true reflection of the exponential growth of girls AFL footy throughout the region.

Paul Taylor, Community Football Manager, said that the program is becoming the envy of other regions.

“The strength of the Force program has grown year on year from both a quality and quantity perspective, and this is drawing new players to it each year,” Taylor said.

“There’s no doubt the link to the Sydney Swans Academy gives the program extra standing in many people’s eyes, but the work that our Force coaches are doing is the key to ensuring that our players are improving and making their mark within the club scene and talent pathway.

“With former local players involved at AFLW, VFLW, SANFL, and various state league levels, our region is gaining a reputation as a breeder of talented players. This opens doors for the next generation of players, and our aim is to ensure that they’re best prepared to grasp the opportunities that come their way.”

North Coast Force teams will compete at the Hunter Challenge Cup on 10 and 11 June, as well as the Northern NSW Championships in Coffs Harbour from 8 to 10 July.

CLICK HERE for the team lists for each of the six age groups.

Congratulations to all players that gained selection.