IN my articles, I am always on about how male football has a higher participation rate than rugby league, rugby union and Aussie Rules.
It occurred to me to investigate if the same applies in the female side of the game.
In the process of my research I came across some facts that surprised me in terms of statistics – regardless of male/female participation.
It appears that female Aussie Rules leads the way, with football running a distant second but still ahead of both the rugby codes.
It’s in terms of financial aid that football falls behind, this despite the enormous success of the Matildas on the world stage and Australia hosting the Women’s Football World Cup!
I accept that Australia’s population is such that financial support through government distribution is limited. My objection is that funds are not shared equally on a per capita basis.
It appears that the AFL invests very well in its sport, be it male or female.
A prime example is its Springfield and Yeronga facilities, among other investments in the game.
It was no surprise when I discovered that the AFL and indeed the AFLW supporters attend matches in their droves, and naturally the code generates money through gate takings and sponsors.
I was stunned to find out that despite Australia’s low population, when compared with other countries, that the AFL has the highest per capita attendance percentage in the world of any sport.
Clearly the AFL marketing strategies are effective and, as the saying goes, “Money makes money”.
This is proof that the organisation is well run both on and off the field of play.
Despite my obvious bias toward my preferred sport (football), I have to accept that the AFL has created a culture of supporter loyalty toward its clubs.
As much as the truth hurts, the football I love has been my life ever since I can remember and I continue to live and breath football, be it the local game, the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, the World Cup or any other form of the game, including but not limited to walking football, Futsal, and small-sided games.
Regardless of where the game is played or what hour of the day or night it’s played chances are I am watching.
