AFL NSW/ACT uniform drive open for donations

Image courtesy of Mathew Batsiua via AFL Nauru.

 

Australian Football has long been celebrated as ‘Australia’s game’, however the fast-paced team sport is now being adopted by the vibrant communities of the South Pacific Nations.

The game is seeing a surge of popularity in this region, with men, women and children alike, coming together to form teams of dedicated footy fans.

With nations such as Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Fiji currently taking part in the AFL International Cup in Melbourne, the rise of Australian Football in the Pacific is clear.

Despite their passion to play and drive to thrive within the sport, these nations are in need of gear and equipment to kick-start their football dreams.

Due to the lack of football uniforms and equipment currently available to these new Australian Footballing communities, some players have never owned a pair of footy boots or footy shorts, and play in bare feet and board shorts.

To help, AFL NSW/ACT is launching a uniform drive to send second-hand football uniforms to developing countries in the South Pacific.

If your club has any uniforms or boots still in wearable condition, we would love for you to donate them. Drop off your donated items at your local club throughout August and your club will then send the goods to AFL NSW/ACT offices, where they will be distributed across the Pacific.

AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Coordinator, Jacinta Houston encourages clubs and members to support the uniform drive.

“It is a great way to bring life back to those old footy boots and guernseys in the spirit of the code, to help share the love of the game.” she said.

South Pacific League Development Manager, Ben Drew has says the donations will be a big help to the players in developing AFL communities.

The gear will go to men, women and children playing in AFL competitions in the Pacific Islands including Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

To donate your club’s football gear, please contact Jacinta Houston for more information at jacinta.houston@afl.com.au.