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The National today joined with the Australian Football League (AFL) to develop the next generation of champions and support grass roots football across Australia. Mr Ian MacDonald, Executive General Manager, Financial Services Australia, said the National AFL Pathway Program will support and fast-track talented young players from grass roots community football through to the senior AFL level. The National AFL Pathway Program will continue until the end of the 2006 football season and incorporates the: - National AFL Under 16 Championships
- Australian Institute of Sport AFL Academy
- National AFL Under 18 Championships
- National AFL Draft Camp
- National AFL Draft
- National AFL Rising Star
Mr MacDonald said the National has also introduced a specific practical initiative to support local football clubs - the National Club Development Award. "The Award package will provide practical resources and support to these clubs to assist the development of future champions," he said. Details relating to the Award include: - A total of 38* annual Award packages each valued at over $6000 to local football clubs responsible for the development of successful players in their junior years.
- Each package includes a Dell Notebook computer, colour printer, Microsoft software, MYOB accounting software package, Sherrin Footballs, and official AFL training jumpers.
- Award recipients will be selected based on the 30 players selected for the AIS AFL Academy and the most valuable player from each of the eight teams contesting the Under 18 National Championships.
- State League Clubs and AFL clubs are ineligible for this award.
"Community football clubs are part of the social fabric of this country. The National Club Development Award recognises a player's development is largely attributed to the dedication and commitment of volunteers and staff of local football clubs. "While the financial support is important, the National will also extend its existing National Staff Volunteer Program to connect National staff with local football clubs. This will allow staff to take paid time off to assist clubs with business plans, financial management, risk control or other aspects of day to day management. "The National AFL Pathway Program has two simple aims - to support local community football and develop players. "It provides recognition, resources and practical support to local football clubs and enables young Australians to realise their sporting dreams.
"We are also thrilled to announce that AFL champion, Garry Lyon, will be the National Ambassador for the Pathway Program. Garry is extremely passionate about the future of grass roots football; he will play an integral part in the National's plan to achieve awareness and recognition of the Program", said Mr MacDonald. AFL Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wayne Jackson said the National's aspiration to further develop Australia's number one sporting code had come at a time when the AFL was determined to strengthen the link between the senior AFL clubs and football in the community, the parks, the schools and the outback.
"The recent Carter Report on the development of the game has examined football at all levels across Australia and focussed the AFL Commission and the Clubs on the steps we must take to ensure the game's future development", Mr Jackson said.
The recommendations centre around improving AFL players' involvement in the community and support to grass roots club administration.
The talented player pathway for a young footballer is the link between the AFL and all levels of the game and this road to success is dependent on the work of volunteers within football clubs.
The National is perfectly positioned to provide the administrative support for the game at the grass roots and they will be supporting the football champions of the future", said Mr Jackson.
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