Beyond the Boundary Edition #42
- 5 days ago
- 12 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Shaun Connell
Essendon AFLW Inspires Women and Girls across the Goulburn Murray
The excitement around women and girls football continues to grow across the Goulburn Murray region, with Essendon AFLW players and staff arriving this week to deliver a series of school, club and coaching activations across Shepparton, Moama and Cobram.
The enthusiasm shown by schools, clubs and local communities has been outstanding, highlighting the growing passion for female football throughout the region.
Over the first day of the visit, Essendon AFLW representatives engaged with students through 24 school visits, inspiring the next generation of players and sharing their journeys to elite football.
More than 155 girls participated in Superkick Clinics, developing their football skills while having fun in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Six local teams also had the opportunity to take part in training sessions alongside AFLW players, gaining valuable insights through specialised drills and coaching activities.
The visit has also provided a great opportunity for women to learn more about coaching, with 35 female coaches participating in the Coach Your Way Program in Moama and Shepparton. A highlight was the session in Shepparton, led by Essendon AFLW Senior Coach Natalie Wood, who shared her experiences and insights into coaching at the elite level.
The Bombers visit is part of the AFL Community Camps which aims to provide engagement and inspire women and girls to get involved in Community Football either as a participant, volunteer, coach or umpire.
We thank all the community clubs, schools and volunteers who have embraced the Bombers and helped make the visit such a great success.
We thank the Essendon Football Club for its ongoing support of the region and its commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls in football.
The impact of these visits will be felt long after the players return home, helping to inspire the next generation to get involved, stay involved and pursue their football dreams.
Participation Continues to Grow Across Goulburn Murray
Participation across the Goulburn Murray region continues to trend positively in 2026, with 8,891 participants involved in community football and participation programs year-to-date.
Community football participation is up 6%, reflecting growth across junior, youth and senior football, highlighting the healthy platform to strengthen the local community football pathway
One of the standout results continues to be the growth of Women & Girls football, with participation increasing by 9%, with plenty of more work to be done in growing junior girls to underpin the growth in youth and senior women's football. The AFLW Community Camp this week shows the enthusiasm and passion for women and girls football in the region, and we hope to capitalise on providing more opportunities for women and girls to play, coach, umpire and volunteer in our game.
Our programs are also trending positively, with numbers in Nines increasing, the newest AFL program Superkick starting to become more familiar with a 50% growth from 2025.
Across our community football competitions, the Murray League, Kyabram District League and Goulburn Murray Juniors have each recorded 7% growth, while the Goulburn Valley League has increased by 4%.
In the umpiring space, the Goulburn Valley Umpires Association has seen just over 2% growth on the back of the hard work of the association and AFL Victoria in investing in umpire recruitment and development initiatives across the region.
Whilst the Auskick numbers are down, this is on the back of the introduction of Superkick and an increase in opportunities in the U9 and U10's space in Goulburn Murray Juniors.
Whilst regional high-level numbers are encouraging, we understand some clubs and towns continue to need support with strengthening their pathways.
If you require any support or are just needing to have a chat about where your club is at, please reach out to myself or Sammi Monaghan to have that conversation.
In Case you Missed It: AFL Victoria Org Chart
Upcoming Key Dates
July
📅 July 5 - 12 / NAIDOC Week
📅 July 23 - 26 / Road Safety Round
📅 July 23 / R4 Telstra Footy Country Grants Close
📅 Women's Coaching Month
August
📅 August 24 / TAC Club Rewards Program Closes
September
📅 September 21 / Toyota Good for Footy Raffle Closes
We’re Here to Help!
Our team is on hand to support you across all areas:
AFL Victoria
Governance, Strategy, Facilities, Partnerships & Governance – Shaun Connell
Club Development & Experience – Sam Monaghan
Participation Team – Kevin Monaghan & Mel Saunders
RAC Operational Support – Jo Spencer (HOO), Andrew Moore (GVFUA), Brad Noonan (GVL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway (Netball), Michelle Adams (Finance)
Murray League – Dale Norman
Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards - Nominations OPEN!
The 2026 Toyota National Volunteer Awards are now open and an excellent way to recognise and support volunteers at your local club!
As a region we have had a fantastic record in recognising and showcasing our wonderful volunteers through these awards, with last year Debbie McColl (Congupna FNC) receiving the AFL Merit Award and April Le Sueur (Rumbalara FNC) being awarded the AFL Young Leader of the Year Award (plus a car!).
The awards, comprising 13 categories, recognise volunteers across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football. All NAB AFL Auskick centres, schools, community clubs, and affiliated leagues in each state and territory are invited to participate.
The various category nominations will first be considered at State / Territory level. State / Territory winners are then considered as part of the AFL National Awards, with all nominees receiving a certificate. Wonderful recognition & prizes are on offer to the various category winners.
Please nominate here: Toyota National Volunteer Awards 2026 - Intellistack
Club promotional toolkit: find here
Child Safeguarding Requirements
Clubs are legally required to comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards (VCCS), however the VCCS doesn’t explicitly call out the need for clubs to have a Child Safety Officer (CSO). However, appointing a CSO is a positive step towards meeting the requirements outlined in the VCCS to ensure a safe environment.
The AFL has a Club Safeguarding Checklist on the Play AFL website along with a Child Safeguarding Officer position description which will help clubs. In addition to this, Sport integrity Australia (SIA) also has a range of resources available.
Please head here for more information or to report a child safeguarding matter, please lodge through the AFL Integrity Portal or contact AFLGM Club Development Lead for further guidance and support.
Federal Grant Opportunity - Game On: Teaming up for climate action
Australian Government's Game on: Teaming up for climate action program will deliver $35.262 million over 2 funding rounds and will run over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The program was announced as part of the Support for the Net Zero Plan. Individual clubs can apply ($25K - $100K). Closes July 8 2026.
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm
Australia Post Community Grant
Our Community Grants program supports projects that connect people to improve mental wellbeing in local communities. To help them deliver for their communities, we award Community Grants of up to $10,000 each year to fund community-led, local projects. These funds will be dedicated to projects that enhance mental wellbeing by fostering connection and building resilience within communities recovering from a natural disaster or a major storm event.
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund
The next round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and their alignment to program guidelines. The program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July, 2026 at 5pm
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs is back for 2026! Clubs can nominate their legends for the chance to win weekly prize packs. Plus, a chance to win a trip for two to attend the AFL Footy Festival & 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and an additional $25,000 in Bunnings products & materials for the club. Closes: 16 August 2026
TAC Club Rewards
The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026. Applications close Monday 24 August (promo packs available at AFL Goulburn Murray)
Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme
AFL Victoria and CDS Vic have teamed up to support local football clubs across the state in raising funds and promoting sustainability. CDS Vic allows charities and community groups to raise funds while making an impact. Once you are fully set up, you can engage your club supporters to donate their refunds or containers – and help you to reach your fundraising goals.
Australian Sports Foundation
Grassroots football clubs should consider using the Australian Sports Foundation as it allows clubs to raise funds through tax-deductible donations. This makes it easier to attract support from individuals, businesses and major donors while increasing credibility and reach. Clubs can use the platform to fundraise for projects such as facility upgrades, equipment, participation programs and other club development initiatives.
WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer
Nominations are now open for the annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club. Entries close 31 July.
School Holidays are back and better than ever!
Join us for a full day of footy fun these school holidays, with programs running in Shepparton, Echuca, Yea and Cobram – including the launch of an All Girls program in Cobram for the very first time.
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Participants will enjoy:
• A full day of football activities
• Footy giveaways
• A brand-new football to keep
Whether you're new to footy or already love the game, there's something for everyone.
Find your closest program here: https://play.afl/club-finder-map?formats=holiday_programs
For more information, contact: mel.saunders@afl.com.au kevin.monaghan@afl.com.au
Coach Registrations - Assistance Links
Please find video links to LMS walk-through videos that step coaches through the accreditation process from start to finish.
New Coach - https://vimeo.com/1131552686?fl=pl&fe=cm
Returning Coaches - https://vimeo.com/1131548997?fl=pl&fe=cm
AFL ID - How To Video - https://vimeo.com/1020773954?fl=pl&fe=cm
Coach Accreditation - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
Framework - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
AFL VIC Coaches Forum 2027
AFL Vic will once again be hosting the AFL Victoria Coaches Forum in 2027. A date has been confirmed and the event will once again be hosted at the MCG, this time on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February. This will also be part of a wider AFL Victoria Season Launch event for several streams of community football, more details on this event will be coming shortly.
Women's Coaching Month - JULY 2026
It’s almost Women’s Coaching Month! The theme in 2026 is ‘Keep Coaching. Keep Leading', which celebrates retaining and empowering women coaches, supporting growth through programs, recognising leadership, and inspiring long-term involvement and their continued impact.
We encourage our clubs to recognise and promote the wonderful women coaching in some capacity at your club, and if there aren't many, think of ways to get women involved going forward.
🏉 Registrations to Umpire for the 2026 season are still OPEN!
Stay involved in footy and develop your skills with support from experienced coaches. Field, Boundary & Goal Umpires all welcome.
Spirit of Football & Netball Round - THIS WEEKEND!
The Goulburn Murray Juniors will be holding the annual Spirit of Football Round, with the Southern club Netball games being included as Spirit of Netball.
The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will fall on the weekend of 19th – 21st June, which falls in the below rounds for each respective Competition/League:
Goulburn Murray Juniors: All Football & Netball - Round 9 (Round 5)
Goulburn Murray Women & Girls: Youth Girls - Round 10
Kyabram District League: Football Under 15s - Round 10
Murray Football League: Football Under 14s & Under 17s - Round 12
The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will be centered around three main qualities: sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. The Round encourages players to embody the true essence of the game by demonstrating respect towards opponents, officials, and teammates alike. It is an opportunity for clubs to showcase their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive sporting environment. We hope to see multiple players display all three qualities when competing out on the field.
At the commencement of the game, coaches are to work with their captains to help identify a player from the opposing team who displayed sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play throughout the match. Both teams, along with the umpires, will then form a huddle with the team captains to congratulate the opposing team on the match played and present the Spirit of Football/Netball medal to the opposition player.
AFL Women & Girls Charter
Signing up to the AFL Women & Girls' Charter demonstrates a club's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls at all levels of the game.
The Charter supports clubs to strengthen participation, leadership and development opportunities, while reinforcing positive club culture, respect and equality. This should be a straightforward decision for every club president in the region.
Click the link to get started - W&G Charter
Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Under 14 Girls - Registrations Now Open
Our 6-week season + finals is almost here!
Starts Wednesday, 1st July at Moama Rec Reserve, from 5:00 PM
Get your team together and enjoy a great season of competition, community, and fun. Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome!
6-week season
Finals series
Great atmosphere
All skill levels welcome
Don’t miss out — register now! https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/9c0d3e
For more information, please contact Women & Girls Coordinator Sammy Heron via sammy.heron@aflgm.com.au
School Championships 2026 (please share with your school contacts) ENTRIES CLOSE 30th JUNE. Netball Victoria's School Championships presented by Deakin University is one of the largest netball tournaments conducted in Australia and attracts school teams from around the state. Teams play in a round robin format across multiple preliminary days around Victoria, with the top teams advancing through to the finals day at the State Netball Centre, where the state champions are crowned. Please share with your school-based clubs or team. More information here https://vic.netball.com.au/schools-championships-page
Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards – Sunday 18th October 2026, 2-5 pm Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year 2026 Community Awards - Netball VIC
Netball Connect – Emergency Saturday Phone Assistance 9am-11am.We are providing Saturday phone support for our affiliates with emergency, competition critical Netball Connect issues. This service will operate between 9am and 11am on Saturdays. Please note this is for competition critical issues only. The phone number is 03 9321 2299. For general Netball Connect enquiries, training questions or non-urgent support, please continue to use the usual Netball Victoria support channels and Netball Connect resources: Netball Victoria Knowledge Library If you still can't find the right information on our NV website use the Ask Netti via the chat icon or Submit a Request here.
Umpiring Update: Umpire Practical Assessment sheets - The current umpire practical assessment sheet is accessible on the Netball Victoria website. Please ensure current test sheets, with '2026' written at the bottom, are used for all upcoming umpire assessments. Umpire Tester Meeting (register through link) - An additional umpire tester meeting will be held on 22nd June 2026 at 6pm, online. Attendance in 2026 is mandatory to be included on the Endorsed Tester List, but the meeting is open to anyone who is interested in becoming a tester or would like to learn more about umpire testing. Current Endorsed Tester List - The 2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester List can be found on the NV website and through the link provided. The list is updated monthly. Please ensure you check the list ahead of arranging testing panels to ensure testers are eligible.
GRANTS:
Community Support Grants Netball Victoria offers a Community Support Program which provides targeted financial assistance to 1) individuals experiencing hardship and 2) disaster recovery grants to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. Learn more here Community Support Program - Netball VIC
Woolworths Grants Program (May-August) The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids. This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to 40 clubs across Australia. There will also be a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2026 People’s Choice Prize, as well as 12 Free Fruit for Kids deliveries valued at $250 each or a $250 Woolworths Essentials e-Gift Card to purchase fruit for kids. To be in the running, applicants need to explain how their club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways: Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities. Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or Nutrition. To Apply visit: Home - Woolworths Netball Grants
For specific club support, please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
Sam Monaghan
0407 147 563
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