Yearly wrap: Community football

By Alison Zell

Community football in NSW and the ACT grew to 27,467 participants in 2012 with 14 community leagues successfully wrapping up a season which saw 242 senior teams and 762 junior teams from 236 clubs compete across the region.

The Australian Country Football Championships were hosted in Wagga Wagga in July where NSW/ACT finished third, its best performance since 2002.

A successful NSW/ACT representative football carnival was held at Blacktown in June where AFL Sydney lost to VAFA, the Riverina defeated Black Diamond AFL, AFL Sydney development defeated Farrer, AFL Canberra defeated NAIAFA and ACT Women’s beat NSW Women’s.

Themed rounds were held across the state competitions, in conjunction with the AFL’s elite competition, which celebrated and recognised AFL Kids First, Indigenous round, Multicultural round and an Umpire’s recognition round.

Great volunteers were recognised across Community Football with Mick Barnes from North Wagga FC named Volunteer of the Year.

Coach of the Year was Matt Hard from Coolamon FC and Jim Woodlock (AFL North Coast) and Ron Chaplin (Rock-Yerong Creek FC) were awarded AFL Merit Awards for distinguished service to the sport.