The Yarra Junior Football League has officially launched the 2024 season with over 200 club personnel and partners coming together on Sunday March 3 at Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus.
The season launch was opened by Rob Gould, President of the YJFL. Rob thanked all partners and clubs for attending the event and highlighted the important role sport plays in our young participants lives.
“We cannot underestimate the vital role sport plays in building both mental and physical health. It is the Board’s aim to have a safe and inclusive space where our children and young people can flourish; where they can learn new skills, make new friends, have fun playing footy and develop an enduring love of the game.”
Aaron Bailey, YJFL CEO, addressed clubs and highlighted the growth made in the YJFL throughout 2023 with aims to continue improving all areas of the competition in 2024. Aaron announced the upcoming release of the Leagues Strategic Plan which outlines the goal of 13,000 participants by 2027.
Both Rob and Aaron spoke about the initiatives of the League including the introduction of Boys and Girls football managers, Lynden Dunn and Kate McCarthy as well as club development initiatives including safe tackling education from Mal Bangs, vilification training, club health checks and mental health first aid delivered to clubs through ‘Tackle Your Feelings.’
Guest speakers and previous YJFL players Dylan Buckley and Mat Nicolls gave fantastic insight into their experiences as professional footballers and umpires, as well as the important role junior football plays in the development of both players and umpires.
Breakout sessions then took place for club representatives to attend presentations from ChildSafe, SALT, AFL Victoria, CLUBMAP and YJFL Staff.
Reflecting on the day Aaron Bailey said it was a great opportunity to look ahead to the 2024 season and offer club representatives some important education ahead of the season.
“It was fantastic to see so many representatives from clubs here today at Swinburne University, ahead of the 2024 season.”
“We feel the league is in a great place moving into the 2024 season and we are looking forward to continuing the progress we made in 2023.”
“Dylan and Mat were extremely insightful, and it was great to hear from them as they have personal experience as juniors in the YJFL.”
The YJFL would like to express its sincere gratitude to Dylan Buckley and Mat Nicholls for attending the event as guest speakers and would also like to thank all clubs and club personnel for making the time to attend. The League would also like to thank all its partners for attending the event and for their continued support.
The YJFL would also like to extend its thanks to premier partner, Swinburne University for hosting the event.
TheLleague wishes all YJFL participants and clubs the best of luck for the 2024 season.
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