CARLTON will strengthen its commitment to elite female football in Australia, after being granted a VFL Women's licence for the 2018 league.

In a revamped VFLW competition, Carlton was awarded one of the new VFLW licences by AFL Victoria.

The new Carlton VFLW side will align with the AFL and AFLW programs, with the VFLW season to commence in May following the conclusion of the 2018 AFLW season.

Head AFLW coach Damien Keeping said Carlton was strengthening its commitment to developing pathways for women’s football.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have been granted a VFLW licence for the 2018 season, which will further strengthen our pathways to develop young talent coming through the ranks in women’s football,” Keeping said.

“The VFLW program will work alongside our senior women’s side, meaning there will be a strong continuity and alignment for our players in the program.

“Being awarded a licence is a further show of faith that Carlton is genuine in its approach to women’s football and we’re delighted to only strengthen that commitment with a VFLW side in 2018 and beyond.”

The new VFLW side will join the Club’s AFL and AFLW programs under the 'Carlton’ umbrella, as well as the VFL side with the Northern Blues under coach Josh Fraser.