Saturday marked a momentous occasion in Gold Coast’s history, with the club holding their first ever AFL Women’s Talent ID Day.

Aspiring women footballers from across the region descended on the club’s Training & Administration base to showcase their athleticism and football ability. 

The athletes were put through a number of tests, all under the watchful eye of key staff members. 

“We’re looking at athletic ability today. We’re looking at power, endurance, vertical leap, 20m sprint and a 2km (time trial), and a bit of kicking as well,” Brett Munro, Gold Coast’s AFL Women’s Project Lead, told SUNS TV on Saturday.

“Today’s a great day for them to make a start and get this journey on the road.”

Numbers were strong, with experienced footballers joined by relative rookies who have a strong background in other sports.  

Split into four groups based on football experience, there was plenty of enthusiasm throughout the day.

“We had over 110 registrations for the day, and it’s really great to see the mix of the girls that came.” Fiona McLarty, AFL Queensland’s Regional Manager – Gold Coast told SUNS TV.

“There’s the girls that play club football that we know about, but there’s all these new girls that either played football at school and haven’t played for years, or coming from different sports.”

There has been a spike in participation numbers for women’s football in recent years, a trend which is set to continue as the SUNS head towards an AFLW team in 2020.

“Women’s football is booming on the Coast. Last year we had two new teams and this year it’s going to look like we’ll have three new teams.

“Youth girls had massive growth as well. We had over 250% growth in youth girls numbers last year.”

McLarty also had some wise words for aspiring AFL Women footballers, encouraging them to get signed up to a local club and stay involved in footy.

“If you’re not already…get down to your local club and start playing football.

“The SUNS and AFL Queensland will be out watching those games and talking to the clubs.”

Two more testing days are still to come in Far North Queensland, and will be held in Townsville (March 3) and Cairns (March 24).

Female footballers in those regions can register for more information here.