The AFL has increased its focus on building stronger pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander and multicultural players with the appointment of Paul Vandenbergh to a senior role in the AFL Talent Team as the Diversity Talent Manager.
Vandenbergh will be responsible for leading all State and Club NGA Academy programs and the national AFL Talent Diversity Programs to improve talent outcomes for Indigenous and multicultural players across the country. Reporting to Tristan Salter, Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions, he will also work closely with clubs and the current crop of AFL and AFLW Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander players on ensuring greater support and a smoother transition between the talent pathway programs and the elite programs at AFL / AFLW level.
A proud Wirangu / Kokatha man from the Far West Coast of South Australia, Vandenbergh will oversee the State Talent Academies in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania and lead the Indigenous and Multicultural Talent Programs including; the Boomerangs, Woomeras, Medleys, World Team and supporting the Bachar Houli Programs.
Vandenbergh's previous position was as the Aboriginal Programs Director at the Port Adelaide Football Club where he worked since 2010 leading community programs and generating initiatives for Indigenous youth in South Australia.
AFL Executive General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said Vandenbergh brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge across talent diversity programs in our game and would work closely with AFL clubs and current Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander and multicultural players to identify ways to improve opportunities and the support available for Indigenous and multicultural female and male players across the country.
"Paul has extensive experience implementing programs and initiatives for young Indigenous players, and is a highly regarded Indigenous leader in our game who will add to our work in bringing more indigenous talent and multicultural talent to our game and ensure they have the right support in place," Mr Hocking said.
"In this role, Paul will oversee the AFL's Talent Diversity Programs and will work closely with AFL Clubs on the implementation of the revised AFL's Next Generation Academy Program as well as working closely with the Inclusion and Social Policy team, led by Tanya Hosch, to identify areas where the AFL and our clubs can continue to improve the opportunities and support.
"The AFL is committed to enhancing talent outcomes for Indigenous and multicultural players playing Australian Football and we are pleased to have Paul as part of the team to continue to grow and support these key programs across the country and provide greater opportunities for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural talent we are bringing into our system. We want to not only attract talent but ensure that the experience at pathway level and elite level continues to improve."
Paul commenced in the role on Monday, February 1.