AFL - Australian Football League

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate all those involved in delivering Movember Ahead of the Game – a mental health literacy and resilience program for young people, their families and their footy communities. Proudly presented by Coles Group, since its inception in June last year, we’ve partnered with 24 community organisations to deliver 900+ workshops at more than 150 local clubs across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory – creating a positive impact on more than 17,000+ workshop participants including parents and coaches. With the program’s national implementation now complete, Ahead of the Game is the largest rollout of a mental fitness program in sport globally. The firsthand feedback from participants demonstrates the significant impact we’ve achieved, and our team are already working with new community clubs ahead of an even bigger 2025. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gupAk5qC #mentalfitness #communityfootball

The AFL's commitment to being a more inclusive sport will be celebrated this week though our annual NAB AFLW Pride Round. Held in week seven of the NAB AFLW competition between Tuesday 8 and Sunday 13 October, this year marks the fifth occasion the League will hold a dedicated round that celebrates and supports diversity and inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities in Australian Football, acknowledging their contributions to the strength and growing success of the League. As part of this year's Pride Round, a rainbow will feature on the iconic Sherrin for the second consecutive year, while all 18 AFLW clubs will wear specially designed Pride guernseys. The AFL’s Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch shared that Pride Round is a powerful platform for inclusion. "AFLW Pride Round is a time for everyone – players, fans, and allies – to come together and embrace the diversity that strengthens our game." Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g4KvHW7X #SeeYouBeYou #AFLWPrideRound2024

With Grand Final week fast approaching, we're pleased to share that Footy Festival will take over Yarra Park, Melbourne next week from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 September. Entry is free and features entertainment for all ages including player appearances, AFL Play Zone, giveaways, and Melbourne’s best food trucks. For the first time, you can also experience Footy Festival at night. Enjoy live music and amazing food from signature Melbourne restaurants including Easey’s, Hella Good & Pinchy’s at The Lawn by Bunnings. This year there will be a cool new addition – the Schweppes Ice Rink where you can enjoy a forty minute ice skating session while listening to tunes from our resident DJ. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gs5TK9N9 Find out more about Footy Festival⁠: https://lnkd.in/gxU2eXjM #AFL #footy

The Western Districts Saints in South Australia completed an incredible unbeaten season by winning the Kangaroo Island Football League premiership, in the same year the club unveiled all-new facilities after the local area and community was devastated by bushfires in 2020.   A number of different stakeholder groups came together to help. The AFL's investment in the project was nearly $1.5 million, which included a contribution made through the AFL Community Relief Fund. The total project investment from all stakeholder groups was nearly $4.5 million. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gHG63dwt #communityfootball | SANFL

At the AFL, we’re committed to supporting and empowering women to lead with confidence, authenticity and courage through our Women in Leadership Program. Every year, we select the best and brightest female leaders across our 18 AFL Clubs and the AFL to participate – helping them to connect, grow and elevate their careers and leadership skills. A special shoutout to the incredible Andi Pert, our long-term partner and facilitator, who continues to unlock powerful leadership insights and help women tap into their true potential. The connections formed by our 2024 cohort are inspiring. #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInSport 

Nearly 100 clubs and community umpire associations across Australia have successfully applied to share in a total of $250,000 to go towards junior and youth girls football uniforms.   The funding is provided through the Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grant Program launched earlier this year by the AFL, and proudly supported by Fanatics, a global digital sports platform. View the full list here: https://lnkd.in/g88kPiYT #communityfootball #womenandgirlsinfootball

Seven women involved in local football across the country have been named 2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to women and girls in football. Congratulations to: ⭐NSWACT: Lina Freyer (Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club) ⭐NT: Tamara Spence (Jabiru Bombers Football Club) ⭐QLD: Alera Heywood (Broadbeach Football Club) ⭐SA: Cecilia Moretti (Goodwood Saints Football Club) ⭐TAS: Melissa Budgeon (Ulverstone Football Club) ⭐VIC: Liana Keenan (Westmeadows Football Club) ⭐WA: Ella Spinks (East Fremantle Umpires Association) The AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth in footy for women and girls. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gTvHps8a #communityfootball #AFLW #womeninfootball

We recently hosted our inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team Gathering on Wurundjeri Country. Forming part of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement Strategy, the session brought together our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members from across Australia, to connect and strengthen this important community within the AFL. Hosted by Taryn Lee, we were welcomed by Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr and heard from the AFL Executive on our workplace commitment to inclusion, equality, reconciliation and allyship. Tanya Hosch inspired the group, provoking thoughts and ideas on how as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community they can support one another, and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all levels of our game. The spirit of unity and resilience was inspiring, and we are proud of the strong connections and powerful conversations that took place. 

Be part of the Finals Story. For more information on the 2024 Toyota AFL Finals Series click here: afl.com.au/finals

Ahead of the 2024 NAB AFLW Season Nine starting this Friday 30 August, The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, has shared her best wishes to the league and all the women in football that contribute to our great game. View here: https://lnkd.in/geVp5Ybh #AFLW #SeeyouattheW #Womeninfootball