The AFL has announced a $18 million “Rescue Package” for country clubs but for many, it may be far too late.
Finally the AFL has paid attention to it’s grassroots and decided to put some money back into the “cornerstone” of its game.
That’s the word AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan used to describe the area of his administration he has neglected for years.
While the AFL has taken money off these struggling rural clubs, they have been forking out millions trying to expand their brand into Western Sydney, Gold Coast and even China.
The AFL’s Revenue
For years the AFL has been charging clubs thousands every year for registration fees.
Many have asked why clubs that generate money purely from volunteers have to continue forking out so much just to be affiliated with the AFL.
(These figures are based off ‘The Local Footy Show’s’ Research using Club Statements and Figures Released in the AFL’s 2018 Annual Report.)
These figures show that per year, the AFL is making nearly $23 million from local football clubs, that’s all volunteer generated money.
It also doesn’t include senior player registration fees which are typically around the $300 region, with there being around 140,000 Victorian participants.
The AFL has been receiving these club’s hard-earned money and using it to keep Gold Coast and GWS afloat and play games in China.
Gippsland Football Crisis
The Gippsland Region is one of many country areas in the middle of a junior football crisis, with more and more clubs being forced to forfeit Under 16 and 18 sides.
It’s clear that team participation has dropped significantly since 2009.
Anybody who knows football, understands that juniors are the most integral part to a club’s livelihood.
The AFL has released no strategy on tackling this crisis.
This year former AFL Gippsland Commissioner John White, got 2000 signatures on a petition that called for an independent review into AFL Victoria’s relationship with country football.
Victorian Sport Participation
Most Victorian’s know their state as a proud sporting one but the 2013/14 ABS numbers show that sport participation amongst 15-17 year-old males is lower than many other states and territories.
With AFL being Victoria’s most popular sport, it’s possible the continual demise of country football club’s is correlating with the state’s overall sport participation levels.
The “Rescue Package”
Along with the creation of a $3 million volunteer fund, the AFL has decided to abolish their registration fees.
This will save hundreds of thousands of dollars but for many leagues and clubs this decision may have come a few years too late.
Hopefully this funding from the AFL will help some struggling clubs in their desperate time of need.
(Featured Image: SAM WATSON)
