Investing in community football across Tasmania

Nic Street,Minister for Sport and Recreation

The Tasmanian Government has been a strong supporter of Australian Rules Football at all levels over many years and supports the game from grassroots through to the highest level.

We understand that community football competitions around the State would not be possible without the volunteers, coaches and umpires that support them.

This is why our Government was proud to invest an additional $220,500 in funding in 2021-22 to AFL Tasmania, matched by an equal contribution from the AFL, as a community football support package to target volunteers, coaches and umpires state-wide.

The important program has allowed AFL Tasmania to appoint three ClubHelp Coordinators – Joseph Chivers (South), Will van den Berg (North) and Rick Anderson (North-West) – who will support with the workload of club volunteers and help to build self-sufficiency in football clubs and associations across the State.

This investment will also assist clubs to develop and support more coaches, volunteers and umpires as the great game of Australian Rules Football continues to grow around Tasmania.

Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill said volunteers are integral to the success of sport at every level and play a crucial role in bringing our great game to life each and every week.

“We have identified volunteering support as a key area of need within community football across the state. Our ClubHelp Coordinators are dedicated to supporting club volunteers with their workload”.

“By working closely with clubs and associations, Joe, Rick and Will have a focus on embedding plans and processes to build self-sufficiency for ongoing success. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Tasmanian Government for their ongoing and significant support of the game” said Mr Gill.

The Tassmniaan Government recognises the power of sport and the role that local clubs play in engaging people from all parts of the community and fostering community connections, by providing places to be social, active and develop skills and values.

Tasmanian communities are built on local clubs and organisations that have strong and welcoming environments coming together to look out for the people who call these communities home.

/Public Release. View in full here.