AFL Renews Girls' Uniform Grants With $250,000

The third year of the Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grants Program opens applications for community clubs and leagues across Australia.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Women’s Clothing

AFL Renews Girls' Uniform Grants With $250,000

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The AFL and Fanatics have announced the return of the Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grants Program, with $250,000 in funding available. Applications for the 2026 program are now open to eligible community leagues, clubs and umpire associations.

Why it matters

The program aims to create more welcoming and inclusive environments for junior and youth girls playing Aussie Rules. Participation by junior and youth girls has grown by 10 per cent since the grants were introduced in 2024.

The program has $250,000 available and has funded more than 130 community clubs across Australia since its introduction. Junior and youth girls' participation in Aussie Rules has grown 10 per cent since 2024, though the source does not detail how individual grant amounts will be allocated.

The players

Australian Football League (AFL)

The AFL is the national governing body of Australian rules football and runs the sport's competitions across the country.

Fanatics

Fanatics is a US-based sports merchandise and apparel company that partners with sports leagues to produce team and league products.

The details

The grants fund girls-specific uniforms, including replacing white shorts with suitable alternatives and purchasing female-cut shorts, guernseys and sports bras for playing and umpiring. Eligible community leagues, clubs and umpire associations can apply through a link provided by the program.

2023: The program was first announced as part of a 10-year partnership between the AFL and Fanatics.
2024: The grants program was introduced, marking the starting point for participation growth figures.
2026: The program returns for its third year and applications are now open.

Season Trajectory

The grants program is one initiative within the AFL and Fanatics 10-year partnership announced in 2023, and its return for a third year extends that commitment to girls' participation. Its uniform-focused funding addresses a specific barrier rather than the sport's broader competition structure.

Eligible community leagues, clubs and umpire associations can apply for funding to purchase girls-specific uniforms for the 2026 program. Applications are open now, so interested groups should review the eligibility details and submit before the closing date set out in the program's application link.

The takeaway

Girls-specific uniforms remove a practical barrier that can keep junior and youth girls from joining Aussie Rules. Clubs that have not yet applied can use the open 2026 round to equip their players and umpires.