The AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) Community Football Operations team have embarked on a trip across the Northern Territory to deliver a “community football roadshow” filled with tailored comprehensive engagement sessions for the Barkly Australian Football League (BAFL), Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) and TIO Central Australian Football League (CAFL) clubs and volunteers ahead of the 2022 seasons.
Last week, workshops and education sessions were delivered throughout Alice Springs and surrounding communities in preparation for the Town and Community competitions, as well as the Tennant Creek/Barkly region.
These sessions include the “Think About Your Decision” local governance workshops which provide insight on leadership skills and club development. In personalised sessions, clubs worked on highlighting the best outcomes for their individual club ahead of the season, enabling them to identify areas for improvement to focus on.
During the roadshow, education is provided on using the new Play HQ and Coach HQ systems for registering players, administrators, volunteers and teams as well as viewing fixtures and ladders, in addition to gaining tools to continue growing female footy, umpire and volunteer numbers. Learning new age revenue, committee structure, technology, and managing finances education also forms part of the roadshow and in Alice Springs, an introduction to the E-Point model for the upcoming CAFL season was delivered.
A female football workshop with key BAFL figures was conducted in Tennant Creek to kickstart the implementation of female participation in 2022 for the first time.
AFLNT Club Development Manager Travis Marsham said the roadshow is an important initiative to connect, educate and prepare all clubs ahead of the 2022 seasons.
“Our game is forever evolving, and new and exciting initiatives are always forthcoming, and it is important we engage and communicate these with our clubs and volunteers,” he said.
“The AFL is investing heavily to get clubs back on their feet after several difficult years due to COVID restriction impacts and we are committed to continue to work with our clubs and volunteers to provide the best footy experience possible.
“An exciting feature of the roadshow is a video presentation from inspirational footy figures including 2022 AFL Coaching Ambassador Alastair Clarkson and ‘No More’ campaigner Charlie King. It is powerful messaging that helps shape club environments and highlight expected behaviours within the football culture of our clubs.”
The roadshow is continuing throughout the Big Rivers region this week and will conclude with the BRFL Umpires Carnival this Saturday.