Our successful Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy program has produced some up and coming AFL stars including Lions Liam Dawson, Eric Hipwood, Ben Keays and Archie Smith.

Now, with an AFL Women’s competition entering its inaugural season, the program has had a natural extension to include girls. 

Lions Academy Manager Luke Curran said the program was always going to evolve to include girls, given the rise of women’s footy.

“Hopefully we can develop the girls to a high standard and they will graduate into the women’s team in the coming years,” said Curran.

“Having ‘home-grown’ talent in both the mens and womens teams helps with sustainability and and the promotion of the player pathway for other junior players to follow."

The youth girls players are currently training with the U16 boys squads one night per week over summer with new coaches, with a background in girls footy, on board to help assist with the program.

The girls will play some games in February and March, which will help selection for the AFL Queensland U18 State team before the National Championships mid-2017.

“We’ll continue to work with the AFL and AFL Queensland on the development model going forward,” said Curran.

“However, given the success we’ve had in developing players like Jacob Allison, Harris Andrews, Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood, I’m confident we can do the same with the girls talent.

“We’re hoping to produce the next Tayla Harris or Emma Zielke.”