Chris Febvre • October 22, 2020
Club Champion Program Launched
Club Champion Program Launched
As a part of the focus on supporting clubs and the critical work of volunteers, AFL Victoria and AFL North East Border, in partnership with the Victorian State Government, is launching the Club Champion Program ahead of the anticipated return to play in 2021.
The Club Champion Program will deliver additional face to face club support to enhance club management and volunteer support in the Region. The program aims to:
- Provide targeted support to the most vulnerable clubs across the Region as prioritised and directed by the AFLNEB’s regional staffing network.
- Develop initiatives to assist in enhancing the operating capability of a club, including strategic planning, financial management and sponsorship acquisition.
- Assist in dealing with a range of legislative and social issues such as child safe standards, mental health, gender identity, substance abuse and social media use.
Clubs may nominate for the specialised assistance and support provided by the Regions Club Champion network whilst other clubs will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program. Those clubs who wish to express an interest are encouraged to email john.odonohue@afl.com.au
by November 30th, 2020 outlining the specific areas of their clubs operations and volunteer workforce which would benefit from the program.
The Club Champions will be people who may have extensive volunteer experience in local clubs, particularly in key club leadership positions as well as other professional skills sets across areas such as business management, finance and marketing are also desirable.
AFLNEB have commenced the process of recruiting and will engage Club Champions as Consultants to deliver on the programs intended outcomes. Clubs are encouraged to identify individuals within their networks whose experiences and skills may be of benefit to club volunteers across the Region.
Individuals interested in roles as a Club Champions should contact Region General Manager John O’Donohue on 0428 507 332
to discuss the opportunity further.
This is an exciting opportunity for clubs as they reboot from the cancelation of 2020.
2024 saw the launch of the AFL North East Border Volunteer Recognition Program, proudly supported by one of our long standing partners, APCO! The program recognised 20 volunteers across the region each week throughout the footy season and will do the same once again in 2025. The categories include - Club Volunteer Umpire/Club Umpire Junior/Youth Coach Auskick Coordinator/Volunteer Clubs are welcome to nominate one of their hard working volunteers throughout the year, and if they are selected they will receive a $50 APCO voucher to use in an APCO store near you. Nominations can be submitted by clicking on the following link - VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM
Two local football netball clubs are set to receive a funding boost to upgrade their lighting infrastructure through the Country Football Netball funding program! The Milawa Football Netball Club who compete in the Ovens & King FNL and Barnawartha Football Netball Club competing in the Tallangatta & District Football League will both receive funding through the Country Football Netball Program which through a partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria aims to support county football and netball clubs infrastructure improvements and developments. A total of 7 clubs across Victoria received funding in this round, and with two clubs successful in the North East it is a great outcome for football in the region and both clubs should be congratulated for the work they have put in to be successful! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! For more information on the program and other success applicants please click here - https://play.afl/victoria/news/funding-boost-country-football-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawIx1hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTMXDPhmQhLOMmUjo6YAkpXU-dFqKLUzVdYIegdiFK2xGe-yf-PgwBiA_aem_EdgEJ5XDtkeJH8VGU35rfA
2025 saw AFLNEB host there now annual Club Development Day which had a focus on upskilling those who are hands on during game days throughout the season! With over 45 attendees participating in three dynamic workshops - - Club Umpire Session, - Coaching Masterclass Session, and - Building Stronger Clubs Workshop - Our Community Club Leaders and dedicated Volunteers are now equipped with the resources and skills to tackle the upcoming season! Additionally, more than 25 Sports Trainers benefited from the Level 1 Sports Trainer Course, enhancing their expertise and readiness. Massive thank you to La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga for hosting us at their amazing campus! We wish all the clubs the best for the upcoming season and look forward to further supporting them with additional sessions throughout the year!
