AFL Gippsland has announced the launch of its Gippsland Junior Football Retention Project, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the enjoyment, participation, and long-term retention of young footballers across the region.
Recognising the vital role junior football plays in the Gippsland community, this project will work closely with clubs, leagues, players, parents, and coaches to develop and implement effective strategies for a thriving junior football landscape.
The vision is to create an environment where young players feel more connected, supported, and passionate about the sport, leading to increased participation and a stronger overall football community.
The project will unfold in phases, commencing with a crucial "Discover" phase focused on gathering insights from the football community. As part of this initial stage, AFL Gippsland is calling on all interested stakeholders to contribute their valuable perspectives through consultation sessions and surveys.
AFL Gippsland has invited all members of the junior football community – players, parents/guardians, coaches, and club/league administrators – to book a 60-minute online consultation session to share their experiences and ideas. This is an opportunity to directly influence the future of junior football in Gippsland.
Book your consultation session here: https://www.picktime.com/aflgippsland
In addition to the consultation sessions, AFL Gippsland is also launching a series of surveys tailored to different groups within the junior football community: players, parents/guardians, coaches, and club/league administrators. These surveys will provide valuable data to inform the project's direction.
All information regarding the Gippsland Junior Football Retention Project, including updates and survey links, can be found at www.aflgippsland.com.au/retention
AFL Gippsland Region Manager Tim Cotter is leading the project and is enthusiastic about the collaborative approach.
"We believe that by working together with our community, we can ensure a bright future for junior football in Gippsland, fostering a lifelong love of the game for our young participants," he said.
This project is being supported by a dedicated team including Churchill Football Netball Club president Mark Answerth, Mid Gippsland Football Netball League Junior Development Officer Ken Hutchinson, Combined Saints Junior Football Club president Damian Blackford, AFL Gippsland Club Development Lead Nicole Bertuna, Moe Football Netball Club football operations Clinton Taylor, Lindenow Football Netball Club vice president James Blandford, Inverloch-Kongwak Junior Football Club committee member Luke Short, Warragul and District Junior Football League president Shara McAuley, Sale City Junior Football Club committee member Wayne Langford and West Gippsland, South Gippsland and Traralgon and District Junior Football League's Bobbie Lee Blay.
Cotter added "we urge everyone involved in junior football across Gippsland to engage with this project."
"Your input is crucial in helping us develop strategies that will ensure the health and sustainability of our clubs and leagues, and most importantly, a lifelong love of the game for all our players."