Junior Pathways Update

In some very exciting news, electric almost, we can announce that AFL Sydney has made some amendments to the “player points policy”. This document is currently the only means of aligning Junior Clubs to Senior and it was in need of updating. We anticipate even more exciting news across the Pathways Landscape as further work is being undertaken to strengthen AFL across Sydney and NSW/ACT

What does it mean for us?
It means that our club has a wider group of junior clubs to encourage the movement of kids and young adults into Senior AFL. It provides those Juniors a wider choice and greater knowledge of Senior Clubs in their area, and even encourages them to think about clubs wherever they may end up at Uni.

What does it mean for the Junior Clubs?
It means that their Junior’s have wider choices in terms of Senior clubs, it means that the Junior Clubs themselves can explore further what is needed to help increase the numbers of kids that continue their footy journey into adulthood and it means we can jointly develop the Fundamentals and Basic skills that will allow Juniors to extend their playing careers, for fun or for fame!

What Next?
During 2022 our club’s committee will be better understanding our own capacity to engage regularly with the Junior Clubs and Schools “allocated” to us. We may be asking for help in connecting with clubs and schools and we may even be asking for help with visits once we have understood the needs at a Junior Club level.

Which Clubs and Schools are now aligned?
Men’s: St Ives AFC*; North Ryde Dockers*; Lane Cove Cats*; Knox Grammar*; Redlands School*
Women’s: St Ives AFC*; North Ryde Dockers*; Lane Cove Cats*; Brigidine College*; Loreto Normanhurst*; Pymble Ladies College; Ravenswood School for Girls*; Redlands School*

NOTE: Clubs and Schools with an asterisk (*) are shared with another Senior Club

This is a significant and important outcome for the future of MUAFC and in particular one of our strategic goals in creating a better pipeline to help us rebuild our programs sustainably with a clear long term vision to be a strong and sought after place to play footy.

Thanks for reading!
Wilko
GM Junior Pathway Development