VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month – August

De La Salle Football Club has been awarded the VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month award for August, recognising their commitment to the VAFA’s value of Community. 

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

The clubs nominated by VAFA Management in August were:  

De La Salle Football Club – Congratulations to De La Salle for being named the Club Connect Club of the Month for August! This award is in recognition of the Club’s relentless dedication to community both on and off the field. De La has gone above and beyond in supporting VAFA management during the Finals Series. With access to Waverley Oval as a VAFA Finals Venue, the De La Salle committee and volunteers have exhibited unwavering dedication in assisting from the canteen, to opening up, to management of the ground, and everything in between. Moreover, in 2024, the club’s commitment to player welfare and development was clearly demonstrated through initiatives such as the Tackle Your Feelings workshop, which featured an insightful Q&A session with Nathan Buckley. Additionally, the club is actively working to increase participation in the Womens and Girls space; starting with their involvement in the Women & Girls Charter Workshop. The VAFA management’s experience with the Club’s on and off field initiatives has been exceptional in 2024. 

Old Geelong FC – VAFA management would like to nominate Old Geelong Football Club for Club Connect Club of the Month for for the month of August. The VAFA commends the OGs for their fundraising initiatives that embody the VAFA values of Inclusivity and Community. Old Geelong registered their club for the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle (TGFFR) and have selflessly chosen to donate all contributions to the GoFundMe that was set up to support St Kevin’s player Michael Pisker who unfortunately suffered serious head and eye injuries whilst playing football. Whilst Old Geelong do not play against St Kevin’s OB in the Senior Men’s or Women’s competition, they felt compelled to help and show support for another player and Club in the VAFA community; forgoing an opportunity their Club’s own revenue raising. In their communication they drew on that which makes the VAFA unique from other leagues, in that all players step onto the field to play “FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME”. This epitomises why the Club felt so strongly in supporting the cause and in such a selfless manner. The VAFA is proud to see such compassion and camaraderie amongst VAFA Clubs and commends Old Geelong FC for their strong culture built on the foundations of Community, Inclusivity and support for one another.

Old Yarra Cobras FC – The Old Yarra Cobras have been nominated by VAFA management for their outstanding off-field contributions. Since the start of the season, the Club has maintained active communication with the VAFA, focusing on club development support, including coaching professional development, grants, and participation initiatives. Beyond these development efforts, the club recently hosted a “Run Antarctica” presentation by Donna Urquhart, an ultra-marathon runner, world record holder, and pain scientist. This session aimed to empower women and girls to recognise their potential and re-engage with sports, particularly the Club.  Additionally, the Club is actively participating in AFL Victoria’s Women & Girl Charter workshop to develop a strategic action plan for 2025 and beyond. The Old Yarra Cobras have also consistently nominated their volunteers and coaches for VAFA recognition awards. The VAFA’s experience with the Club in 2024 has been exceptional, and management greatly appreciates the committee’s dedication and efforts off the field. 

West Brunswick Football Club – The VAFA management nominated the Club for their commitment and dedication to off-field growth. West Brunswick has demonstrated excellent communication with the VAFA’s Community & Club Development department regarding the Telstra Footy Grant, TAC, and the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle. They have gone above and beyond in discussing strategies to plan and succeed in these programs, ensuring the club’s growth and sustainability. Within the VAFA community, West Brunswick FC has consistently set an example of how a footy club can build a strong, inclusive environment. To further strengthen this culture and increase women and girls’ participation, the club is now actively involved in the Women & Girls Charter. Their priority to focus on off-field initiatives and maintain open communication with the VAFA management to address any issues has been commendable in 2024. 

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As recognition of their award, the De La Salle Football Club receive a $150 credit courtesy of Club Connect to restock their canteen/drinks fridge.  

When told about the award, club President, Phil Proy said, “De La Salle is extremely proud and humbled to have been firstly nominated and then been selected as the winner of the Club Connect club of the Month by VAFA management. As a club we don’t set out to win awards, but it is always nice to be recognised by the League. 

At De La Salle our aim is to be the best community club we can be by providing a happy, safe, and inclusive club for all players, coaches, members, supporters and sponsors. This season we have had a record number of members, players, and volunteers, which shows us we are on the right track. 

We would like to thank the VAFA and Club Connect for the award and we look forward to an exciting September.” 

This concludes the Club Connect Club of the Month award for the 2024 season. The VAFA management would like to congratulate all the winners, nominees, and other clubs for their cooperation throughout the 2024 season. 

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 Club Support Coordinator – Pranav Menon – [email protected]

VAFA VALUES: COMMUNITY | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | INCLUSION