Help us recognise Vic footy’s ‘Local Legends’
In the lead up to the 2024 footy season, AFL Victoria is seeking your help to uncover the stories of people that bring community football to life across the state. The newly-launched ‘Local Legends’ initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.
Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, we want to hear about the people who are the backbone of your community football club. From dedicating their weekends to match-day support or going above and beyond to ensure all players have an equal opportunity to play their best, we know there are thousands of Local Legends out there whose stories deserve to be told. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.
Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is. Note, submissions will be published across AFL Victoria channels.
Examples of Local Legends:
- A volunteer who keeps the club canteen up and running all season
- A local business owner who donates equipment, food or other supplies to enable the club to stay afloat whilst keeping costs low
- A member of the community who has been committed to the local club for years/decades (even after their family members are no longer associated with the club
- A committed umpire who goes above and beyond to ensure local games are officiated to the highest level and protecting the safety of the players
- A player who has faced adversity but shown resilience and strength to return to football
- A team leader/captain/player who goes out of their way to support and encourage their team mates, ensuring that no player is left behind regardless of their abilities or challenges they may face
- A member of the community who has been an integral part of developing opportunities for diversity and inclusion at their local club, for example, supporting culturally diverse players, organising/providing education sessions at the club around cultural awareness, mental health support etc.
