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Queensland company, Fempro Armour has announced that their female-specific protective guard has been approved by the AFL for use in the AFL & AFL Women’s league.

Fempro Armour notes “this is a major milestone in our mission to raise the standard of protection for all athletes - gear that’s engineered for real impact, shaped for the female and male body, and designed to perform under pressure.

“Whilst AFL no longer offers formal endorsements, we’re proud that our product meets the safety requirements for play at the highest level of women’s football in Australia.

“In a game built on impact, confidence is everything. Fempro Armour is transforming the way women play AFL - replacing hesitation with fearless domination.

“With purpose-built upper body protection, athletes no longer need to hold back to protect themselves. This isn’t just about safety; it’s about unlocking full potential on the field. By giving female players the confidence to go harder, tackle stronger, and play without fear, Fempro Armour is helping shape a faster, tougher, and more inclusive future for AFL.”

Recognising the rise in participation in women’s contact sports like AFL and Rugby Union, Bond University announced in December 2023 a partnership with Fempro Armour  to develop cutting edge protective body armour designed specifically for the female body.

Fempro Armour founder Stephanie Bofinger is a former professional athlete who is passionate about reducing short and long-term injuries and improving safety for women in contact sports.

Bofinger shared “the risk of injury for female athletes, especially in contact sports, is unacceptably high due to ill-fitting protective gear and under-researched safety standards that do not account for the anatomical differences in the female body.”

The safety and protection of female athletes have often been overlooked, with most protective gear being designed primarily for male athletes. This gender disparity has led to higher injury rates among female athletes due to ill-fitting gear and inadequate safety standards that do not consider the unique anatomical differences of the female body.

Fempro Armour was also one of eight Queensland-based startups to have been selected for the 2025 NRL Magic Round Tech Sprint.

More information on Fempro Armour

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