“AFL SportsReady is one of the great success stories of our game,” said Chairman of the AFL Commission Mike Fitzpatrick.
“We must thank those who had the vision two decades ago to find a different way to support young Australians.”
This funding will be invested back into the football industry by making it easier and cheaper to take on a trainee in the AFL industry, support player and administrator development and kick start the careers of hundreds of young men and women.
The announcement was made at AFL SportsReady’s 20-year anniversary lunch that marked two decades of helping young Australians develop careers through employment and education.
This occasion also honoured the founding fathers of the organisation.CEO of AFL SportsReady, James Montgomery, said “the contribution that the AFL has made to the company from day one and the benefit of this support to the thousands of young people who have started their careers through AFL SportsReady is enormous.
"The AFL is known for its commitment, not just to football, but to communities and this is an example of 20 years of unwavering support.”
During the event, the AFL was recognised for its 20-year commitment to provide a better future for young Australians. The AFL has invested over $10 million in AFL SportsReady over the past 20 years.
This funding has helped support over 2000 trainees start their careers working in the AFL industry, supported over 1000 AFL players complete traineeships, as well as a variety of other project roles supporting players make their transition from the game.
Two decades ago, Kevin Sheedy AM, Ian Collins AM, Bill Kelty AC, the Hon Simon Crean MP, Phil Wallbridge, Ron Evans and the AFL founded the company. The aim was to provide education and training to support footballers to prepare for the next career steps at the end of their playing days.
Since then the organisation has helped 12,000 young people commence a traineeship with AFL SportsReady with 1,300 of them Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander trainees.
Mr Fitzpatrick said, “It’s about the people involved that is the great success of AFL SportsReady and we are delighted to continue our support of this fantastic organisation.”
Mr Montgomery further added, that “today we set ourselves the challenge of giving 1000 young people an employment opportunity over the next year by launching #TARGET1000. With the AFL industry committing over 150 position across Australia and a further investment over the next two years, I am confident that we can achieve this.”
For more information on AFL SportsReady visit www.aflsportsready.com.au
