VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month

The Mentone Panthers have been awarded the VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month for April.

The VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month award recognises a VAFA club who through its actions both on and off the field, best exhibits the values of the VAFA, namely Respect, Inclusive, Integrity and Community.

The clubs nominated by VAFA Management in April were:

Mentone Panthers Football Club – The Mentone Panthers, their President and committee have been steadfast in their determination to return to the Amateur competition in 2024 while facing a variety of barriers that could have easily forced the club into yet another year in recess. The way that the club has continued to remain positive while navigating challenges including ground access, player numbers, coach appointments, missing apparel, school and community relationships, handover of IP etc, while also posting wins in the first 4 games of the Thirds competition is a great outcome that will hopefully start the conversation back towards the Divisional competition in 2025.

St Mary’s Salesian Amateur Football Club – St Mary’s Salesian Amateur Football Club has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to VAFA values which can be seen through the club’s introduction of an U19’s side in 2024, which will help set the club up for future success as well as supporting the pathway with Ashburton JFC. In addition, the club’s connection and support of Mental Health education over Tackle Your Feelings Round, highlighted to the St Mary’s community that the club really care about their members’ Mental Health. The partnership with Tackle Your Feelings is also very important for the association to help highlight Mental Health support for VAFA Clubs and the TYF inspired Jumpers played a great part in highlighting the TYF brand throughout TYF Round.

Masala Football Club – Masala Football Club are to be commended on their efforts in providing a friendly and welcoming environment for the supporters and players from the visiting teams of Wattle Park and AJAX on Saturday 6th April. On the back of communication to clubs initiated by AJAX in regard to awareness and respect around current events and making match days a safe place, Masala ensured that both matches were played in tremendous spirit, with the highlight being the meeting of Masala and Ajax teams in the middle of the ground at the conclusion of the game to acknowledge this with speeches and a round of applause.

As recognition of their award, the Mentone Panthers receive a $150 credit courtesy of Club Connect to restock their canteen/drinks fridge. When told about the award, club President John Thompson said “It’s great recognition for the hard work the whole club has put in over the re-build period. Thanks to Club Connect and Asahi Beverages for the support and as always the VAFA for their ongoing support”

If you believe your club demonstrates the Values of the VAFA and would like to share the great work happening at your club please email VAFA GM – Community & Club Support, Sean Walker – [email protected]

VAFA VALUES: COMMUNITY | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | INCLUSION