1. Trial Independent Schools AFL Program 2015
October 2014
Lewis Roberts-Thomson – Former SHORE student and dual Premiership player for the Sydney Swans

2. Strategic philosophy
AFL NSW/ACT worked with a number of Sydney Independent Schools in 2013 to provide opportunities for students to participate in a trial school-based AFL competition.
In 2013, six schools were involved across two age groups in the inaugural program. In 2014, AFL NSW/ACT welcome another four schools to the program which now boasts 10 schools, with 22 teams across three age groups.
AFL NSW/ACT is committed to working with the Independent School sector as a key strategic focus, and will work with association requirements to ensure any program meets the needs of the schools and the association.
AFL NSW/ACT will encourage local community clubs to embrace this competition and ensure that players represent their school in the first instance.
“I would like to thank AFL NSW/ACT for the support and guidance they have given to the Riverview AFL program. Apart from the opportunity for our students to develop both individual and team based skills through participation on the field, I can confidently attest that the AFL program has also been in congruence with the values we promulgate at the College, those being the development of socially aware, well rounded young men. “
John Frare - Director of Co- Curriculum, St Ignatius College
Mr Ray Paxton - Headmaster of Waverley College - with Swans stars Alex Johnson, Dane Rampe (Newington College), Daniel Robinson (St Ignatius College) and Gary Rohan

3. The first two years of the trial demonstrated significant interest in this program
10 schools and 22 teams.
All CAS schools now involved , two GPS and two ISA schools competing.
Year 9/10 age group is introduced based on requests from the schools.
Two AFL appropriate venues host a full compliment of matches each week.
AFL staff manage all competition aspects in 2013 and 2014
All schools are offered a match-day experience at a Sydney Swans home game and key stakeholders attend an Independent Schools function.
2014 COMPETITION
SCHOOL
Year 5/6
Year 7/8
Year 9/10
Cranbrook 1
Knox Grammar
Trinity Grammar
Waverley College 2
St Ignatius College
St Patrick’s Strathfield
SHORE
St Aloysius College
Barker
Redlands

4. In 2015 the AFL program enters a third year of the trail
In 2015 the AFL program enters a third year of the trail. NSW/ACT will continue to offer resources to support teachers and schools involved.
Coaching support
AFL NSW/ACT staff will be available to provide assistance in coaching sessions and player development throughout the competition and with the training of teams. For schools who require further assistance, a coach mentor will be provided.
Level One coaching courses will be offered to teachers, external coaches, parents or students at no charge.
Resource support
A set of portable goal posts, footballs and cones will be provided to assist with training needs as required for new teams.
Appropriate AFL attire is required for all teams entering the competition. AFL NSW/ACT will pay for 50 per cent of the uniform costs for new teams for each school (up to two teams for each school). Additional uniforms can be purchased at the school’s expense. Schools will determine color and design but an AFL NSW/ACT accredited supplier must be used.
Support to access training venues is available.
Competition Management
AFL NSW/ACT will support the competition in accordance with association regulations and will:
Take responsibility for ground hire fees and bookings on match day.
Provide field umpires for all fixtures. Boundary umpires will not be required and goal umpires are to be provided by the school.
Produce a competition manual outlining all competition details.
Provide ground managers to oversee the competition at respective venues.
Provide sports trainers at each venue.

5. The vision - to expand the competition incrementally over a three year period
2013
Yr 5/6
Yr 7/8
2014
Yr 9/10
2015
Yr 11/12 - TBC
Schools are not required to enter teams in all age groups
In 2015 there is interest from some schools to commence an Opens (Yr 11/12) competition.
AFL NSW/ACT will work with participating schools and the associations to ascertain if an opens competition is sustainable in 2015 and a suitable format to allow maximum partyiciaption.

6. The program details for the 2014 program are listed as follows
Topic
Details
Season
Winter season - Saturday during traditional sport time.
Season length
10 weeks, commencing Saturday May 2, through to Saturday August 8, 2015.
AFL activities including additional competition games, AFL trials, AFL combines, AFL skills training or gala days can be arranged pre and post the prescribed competition dates. This will ensure all schools can align involvement with their respective winter sports calendar.
Venues used in 2014
North: ELS Oval, Ryde, St Ignatius College, Riverview
East : Lakeside Oval, Moore Park, Bat and Ball Oval Moore Park
West : Goddard Oval, Concord
South: Henson Park, Marrickville, Mahoney Park, Marrickville
Player numbers
18 per side + 4 reserves for Year 9/10
18 per side + 4 reserves for Year 7/8
12-15 per side + 4 reserves for Year 5/6
Length of game
4 x 15 min quarters for Year 9/10
4 x 15 min quarters for Year 7/8
4 x 12 min quarters for Year 5/6
Rules
In line with AFL GSJ competition rules and by-laws.

7. Next steps
Any school interested to find out more information can contact Simon Wilson on the details listed below.
Registrations for the 2015 program will accepted from October 13th through until December 10th
Simon Wilson
Manager - Sydney/Illawarra Region
Mobile:
“St Patrick's have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in a competitive, professionally run, Saturday morning AFL competition this season. The boys are improving with every match and are appreciative of representing the college in a sport they love.”
  Grant Andrews
SPC Junior School Sportsmaster