PLAY
School Holiday Program
We are excited to have been selected for the statewide School Holiday program this summer, hosting a Summer Superkick School Holiday Program at Newhaven College in Phillip Island on Thursday 23rd January from 9:00am-3:00pm. Registrations are now open, and a great option to get a summer footy fix!
Collingwood to swoop into Gippsland again in 2025
We are excited to announce that we will play host to the Collingwood Football Club in February! The Pies will be visiting schools and running a super clinic in Warragul including a signing session for eager Pies fans. More information and details on the sessions to come. In the new year!
School and Community Programs
Term 1 is approaching quickly, and we are excited to share we are delivering seven programs across Gippsland, including Community Superkick Programs in Pioneer Bay and the Baw Baw Shire, and school specific programs in Wellington, Latrobe, and West Gippsland. These programs aim to engage young footballers in the preseason to encourage registration to their Junior Club or Auskick program. The school-based programs aim to engage students who may otherwise not be able to attend their local Auskick or Superkick centre due to other commitments or accessibility.
Continuing with new ways to engage footy, there is five Community Based Superkick Centre’s running in Term 2 across the region. Alongside the existing centre in Lakes Entrance, new programs are being delivered in Wy Yung, Traralgon, Drouin, and Inverloch. Superkick is the sibling program to Auskick, focusing on skill-based match play for ages 6-12 to aid in the transition from Auskick to Junior Footy.
Across Gippsland, we also have 65 Auskick Centres run by local clubs, including the newest Auskick Centre in Buchan. Registrations for Auskick and Superkick are now open, and for any further information please contact Caitlin Weston, Participation Coordinator at caitlin.weston@afl.com.au
Growth in Gippsland Community Football for 2005
We welcome a number of new competitions, clubs and teams to local football in Gippsland for the 2025 season:
With new competitions currently recruiting for new teams, please touch base with AFL Gippsland or the Leagues directly to enquire on requirements and for support.
COACH
AFL Victoria is proud to announce an unmissable Coaching Forum this March 2025, designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry, including keynote speakers, top coaches, educators, and mentors. As well as build your coaching community by connecting and sharing insights with other coaches.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Click the link below to express your interest, coaches from all codes are welcome to apply!
Gippsland All Stars seeking expressions of interest from passionate and motivated coaches across our four representative regions.
If you are interested in being involved as a coach in 2025, please contact gippslandallstars@outlook.com with an expression of interest and a Football CV attached.
For more information visit Gippsland All Stars
New Coaching Accreditation Framework
There have been significant updates to coach accreditation for the 2025 season. Historically, AFL coach education has primarily focused on skill development, winning, and advancing through accreditation levels. The new approach to coach education emphasises continuous learning and development, allowing coaches to consistently enhance their skills to benefit all participants, whether they’re beginners, playing socially, or competing at higher levels.
The AFL’s refreshed coach accreditation system uses a points-based approach to help coaches progress through five accreditations: Registered, Registered Accredited, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The points system encourages participation in various learning opportunities, including online modules, face-to-face workshops, practical coaching, demonstrations, observations, mentoring, and self-directed learning.
For more information visit Coach Accreditation – Play AFL
Induction Courses for Junior Coaches
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Coach Induction Workshops, designed to support both new and returning junior and youth coaches for the upcoming season. Start you coaching journey off with a Junior Coach Induction course conducted by AFL Victoria/AFL Gippsland Coach Developers. The session will cover the role of the coach, coaching at training and game and a fun practical element. League specific junior rules will be distributed alongside an introduction to the AFL’s National Junior Rules. You will get the chance to hear about the AFL’s new coaching accreditation framework and earn points simply by attending the session.
Program Structure
Register your attendance below:
Female Coaching Academy
We are thrilled to announce, that following the success of the 2024 Gippsland Female Coaching Academy we have raised the bar for the 2025 season and have partnered with AFL Victoria to offer 10 dedicated spots for the 2025 Female Coaching Academy.
The Academy program has been designed for female coaches who are eager to enhance their skills and advance in their coaching careers. The Academy will be led by the AFL Victoria Coaching Leads and experienced Gippsland Coach Developer Bianca Helmuth-Pask, ensuring participants receive top-notch training and support.
Upon completion of the academy, all coaches will achieve at least Silver accreditation status, and those entering as Silver coaches will elevate their status to Gold. This initiative is a significant step towards empowering female coaches and promoting diversity within the coaching landscape of the AFL.
The academy sessions to be run across 4 x 2-hour sessions will include:
The Academy program has been heavily subsidised with participants asked to contribute $50, typically the modules cost $295 to complete.
To submit an EOI for one of 10 places on offer for 2025 register below:
Gippsland Coaching Academy
The Gippsland Coaching Academy is a new pilot program for Gippsland with foundation members coming from our region’s leading coaches across Gippsland Power, Gippsland League, All Stars Program, AFL Gippsland Coach Developers and local Gold Level Coaching course participants.
Launching in February 2025 the Academy will run for an initial three masterclass sessions focused on Environment, Training and Match Day focus areas. The Academy will align with the new AFL coaching accreditation process to allow coaches to keep and increase their coaching status (Bronze, Silver, Gold) by attending sessions.
Crown Hotel in Traralgon have offered to host the Academy alongside the training focused session to be held at the Gippsland Power Centre of Excellence in Morwell.
The pilot will be offered at no cost to coaches, and will run across three nights.
To register your interest in being a member of the inaugural Gippsland Coaching Academy in 2025, please complete the form below:
Individual Masterclass sessions will require registration through the AFL Coach Learning Platform. We will share these links once live.
Further local courses will be offered in the second half of the 2025, including the new Elevate Your Coaching Course Bundle (previously known as the Level 2 Coaching Course).
UMPIRE
Be a crucial part of the game while making friends and getting paid. Experience a front row seat to Australia’s greatest game. For more information visit https://play.afl/umpire
AFL will be supporting the five Gippsland Umpire Associations through three key areas in 2025:
Recruitment/Retention: Club Education/Recruitment program, School based academies, Women & Girls, Club Recruitment
Education Support: Boundary to Field program, Mentorship program, HUDL Education Platform
Environments/Inclusion: Women & Girls Umpire Liaison, Women & Girls Action plan, Inclusion education sessions
VOLUNTEER
Club Development Days
AFL Gippsland will be hosting Club Development Days across Gippsland to provide an update on a range of club operational and strategic issues including grants, volunteer support and more. Registration details will be provided to Clubs earlier in the new year.
New for 2025: Club Health Checks and Strategic Support
We are excited to introduce a new initiative for 2025: Club Health Checks and enhanced strategic planning and development opportunities for all clubs. This program focuses on the long-term sustainability of community clubs, providing targets support to those in needs and helping strengthen operations across the board.
The process begins with a quick 10–20-minute multiple-choice survey designed to understand where clubs currently stand, identify their challenges an explore areas for improvement. The feedback will help the Club Development Lead to provide tailored support, whilst also assisting Leagues, Regions, and AFL Victoria in allocating resources effectively.
By participating, clubs will gain valuable insights an tools to implement quality practices, make it easier for volunteers to focus on what matters most – building a thriving community football club. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved.
Telstra Grant returning for 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Telstra Country Footy Grants! With up to $20,000 available, these grants aim to make a real difference by focusing on three key areas:
Whether it’s upgrading facilities, boosting programs, or enhancing community engagement, this is your chance to take your club to the next level.
In 2024, $70,449 was distributed to 37 clubs across the country, helping them achieve their goals and thrive. Now it’s your turn to apply and make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Don’t wait—contact AFL Gippsland’s Club Development Lead for more information and start your application today! Round 1 Applications close on Sunday 2nd February 2025. For more information and to apply visit Telstra Footy Country Grants – Play AFL
Container Deposit Scheme
All AFL Gippsland clubs can now sign up as Donation Partners with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), allowing refunds from eligible drink containers to be donated directly to football clubs. This new partnership between AFL Victoria and CDS Vic is set to help local clubs raise funds and become more sustainable, with CDS Vic named the Official Recycling Partner of AFL Victoria until the end of 2027.
With over 600 refund points statewide, Victorians can return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund, supporting their local clubs while promoting a circular economy.
Clubs eager to get involved can register as Donation Partners today at cdsvic.org.au/fundraising, where a step-by-step guide is available to help clubs kickstart their fundraising efforts. All clubs that activate their Donation Partner ID will be eligible to win great prizes throughout the year. Stay tuned to communications from AFL Victoria for further details.
TAC Club Rewards & Toyota Good for Footy Raffle will be announced in the new year.
Following a hugely successful 2024, where over $62,000 was distributed back to Gippsland clubs through the TAC Club Rewards Program and the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle, we’re thrilled to announce that both programs will return in 2025! These initiatives have been instrumental in supporting local clubs, and we can’t wait to see them make an even bigger impact next year.
The TAC Road Safety Round currently has been pencilled in for the 25th – 27th July 2025
Stay tuned, once further details are announced, we will share updates with relevant club contacts. Get ready for another fantastic year of opportunities to support and grow your club!
Lead Your Way – call for action for nominations – Closes 27 January
Open to women and gender-diverse leaders from community football clubs, the 2025 Lead Your Way program is designed to enhance leadership skills and foster networks through a series of development and networking events.
In 2024, five Gippslanders participated, with one participant sharing that the program was “A fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded women, share stories, and grow together!”
Don’t miss this chance to grow personally and professionally while building stronger connections in the football community. Applications close on 27 January. For more information and to apply, visit Lead Your Way – Play AFL
ADMINISTER
Club Insurance Update
The AFL and Marsh have been able to successfully maintain levels of cover for 2025 with a slight reduction in premium fees for personal accident cover across the program, once again demonstrating the strength and sustainability of the program.
On the 9th December, Clubs via Leagues were provided with a with a summary of their insurance cover and pricing for the 2025 season under the AFL National Risk Protection Programme. Since 2004, the AFL has worked with Marsh to help the broader AFL community ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for thousands of spectators, officials, and players.
For further information please view the memo at the following link: Insurance Memo 2025
Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP)
AFL Gippsland CCSP By-Laws have been updated and can be found on the AFL Gippsland website: CCSP By-Laws – AFL Gippsland
As previously advised, updated Player Payment Rules, Player Payment Guidelines and Club Budget / Final Player Payment declarations (which now incorporate the removal on the Non-Declared Player Statement) are available at AFL Gippsland CCSP Policies – AFL Gippsland.
Please note a revised Player Declaration Template has been created and can be found at AFL Gippsland – Standard Player Declaration replacing the previous version of the Standard Declaration.
In light of timings and clubs already having signed players prior to release of the updated Player Declaration form, both the updated and previous version of the Player Declaration form will be accepted for lodgement for the 2025 season.
Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP) Webinars
AFL Gippsland are running two club assistance sessions for all Gippsland Clubs to participate in on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th March. The aim of the sessions is to provide an opportunity for Gippsland club volunteers to have an introduction or refresh for 2025 on the Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP). Clubs only need to attend one session, to register use the links below:
CCSP Information Session 11th March 2025: Register
CCSP Information Session 12th March 2025: Register
Player Points Calculator
An updated calculator for Clubs to check on player points allocations has been created which takes into account the AFL Gippsland By-Laws. Please note this calculator is version 1.0 and I would ask Clubs to test the calculator and provide feedback. The most up-to-date version will always be available on the AFL Gippsland website. A long-standing variation in rules (+2 points for playing against former Club) requires a second calculator for Clubs in the East Gippsland FNL.
Player-Points-Calculator-AFL-Gippsland-v.1.0
Player-Points-Calculator-East-Gippsland-FNL-v.1.0.xlsx
Player Points Assessment
As per the AFL Gippsland CCSP By-Laws Clubs may make an application reassessment of an individual player’s points allocation within 7 days of the player’s points being locked in PlayHQ. Clubs may request their playing list PPS allocations in PlayHQ be locked once approximately 75% of their anticipated playing list is registered. The form is available on the AFL Gippsland website: Application for Points Reassessment
AFL Gippsland Region Council
The Gippsland Region Council is a newly established committee delegated authority by the Board of the Australian Football League (Victoria) Limited to provide constructive guidance and recommendations to the AFL Victoria Board on a range of strategic and demographic issues that arise in the administration of Australian Football within the Gippsland Region.
Region Council members are appointed for their professional skills, knowledge, and expertise, from a broad collection of backgrounds, on a range of strategic and demographical issues that arise in the administration of Australian Football within the Region.
The AFL Gippsland Regional Council members are:
Please note the AFL Gippsland office will be closed from Friday 20th December until Monday 13th January. From the team at AFL Gippsland, we wish all in the football community a relaxed holiday season and just like us, eager to get back into footy when 2025 rolls around.
