Volunteers the Focus in Metro CentralTuesday, June 8, 2021 - 4:20 PM

The WAFC Central Conference League staged the first ever social Footy Carnival exclusively for Junior Club Volunteers last Friday Night. 

Over 150 volunteers assembled at Lightning Park in Noranda for this inaugural event, which featured teams representing their Junior Club in a special AFL 9’s format carnival. 

The skill level was questionable, the jumpers were stuck on tight, but that didn’t stop our volunteers stepping out onto the field and playing games in extremely positive spirits and having an absolute ball. 

WAFC Central Conference Community and Club Development Manager, Corey Ranger said “Volunteers are the lifeblood of community football, so it was only fitting that we put on a special social event to say thanks for everything they do in growing the game”.

The Central Conference league which features clubs from the Perth District, East Perth District and Swans District has seen incredible growth in junior participation in 2021, with an additional 20 teams and over 400 participants playing the game this season. This incredible result is due to the commitment, work and passion of the many thousands of volunteers that are tasked with growing the game in the community.

The region would like to thank the following clubs for participating on the night. 

Upper Swan JFC

Vic Park Raiders JFC

Thornlie JFC

Lynwood/Ferndale FC (Mixed Division Champs) 

Ballajura Royals JFC

Noranda Hawks JFC

Bayswater JFC

Redcliffe JFC

Ellenbrook Dockers JFC

Bassendean JFC

Coolbinia JFC (Men’s Division Champs)  

Club Feedback on this initiative was extremely positive with Ellenbrook Dockers JFC Vice President Jack Versaci saying “I would like to personally thank the WAFC and District for hosting the AFL 9’s Volunteer evening”. Mr. Versaci went on to say “The District staff arranged a stress free, easy going evening and should be congratulated”.

This event also provided an opportunity for clubs to mingle, approach and chat with District staff and rival clubs in a social, friendly and laidback environment. 

The WAFC would like to personally thank the Noranda Junior Football Club committee, led by Club President - Mark Micallef for going above and beyond as hosts of this successful event.

If you would like to know more information on social Footy, visit https://play.afl/afl9s