Whether you’re a seasoned player or lacing up the boots for the first time, Gisborne Football Netball Club is calling all girls and women who are keen to join their club for the 2026 footy season.
The club stands apart from others in the region as the only one to offer a full range of teams, from Under 12s right through to Seniors level. Darren Mitchell, director of female football at GFNC, said he was proud of what the club had built since 2013.
“We’re continuing to fight the good fight. And with a full range of teams there’s now a full pathway to develop our female players from a young age right through,” he said.
“If there’s an overarching policy, it’s that this club accepts everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are. And anyone can play with no experience whatsoever. It’s never been about winning, but the girls love to challenge one another. We’re big on our philosophy around fun.”
And ironically, this philosophy and culture have translated into a winning team on the field. Last year their senior women’s team won the Grand Final.
“The girls from that team had only known each other for two weeks before the first game last year” Mitchell said.
A premiership selfie in the club rooms suggests something more akin to family.
Premiership player Hayley Mitchell joked, “we couldn’t believe it. There was a lot of celebration with that premiership cup. It went everywhere. I can’t believe it’s still in good condition.”
She added, “this is a universal sport where anyone can play. And we’re all there for the same reason. We love the game and we want to play footy”.
Co-captain of the premiership side, Amanda Crooks, added “We know walking into any club is a scary first step and we’ve all been there. But we want everyone to come down. Even if you just come to the ground and sit in the car or on the boundary for five minutes. We’ll come up to you and introduce ourselves and make you feel welcome. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played before.”
The senior club also runs a football academy running for 4-6 weeks during the off-season to develop the junior girls from Under 14s and above. In the past they have had AFLW & AFL players and other veterans of the game to help fast-track skill development. They pride themselves on their ability to develop players learning the fundamentals, right through to those making their mark at higher levels.
Anyone who has questions or is keen on joining can call Amanda on 0422 324 379, or Darren on 0412 335 554. If you’re ready to lace up the boots, scan the QR code in the flyer.
