World Footy News

The AFL website currently features stories advertising a short term development officer position in South Africa through Australian Volunteers International (although the ad indicates New Zealanders are also eligible) and a story describing three Multicultural Development Positions to ensure the game's continued spread amongst Melbourne's diverse community. All positions close shortly.

The successful Multicultural Development Officer applicants "will be responsible for implementing the new AFL Multicultural Project in three specific regions of Melbourne being, Western, Northern and South East. The successful applicants will be under the direction of the AFL Multicultural Project Coordinator." In early 2005 the AFL began a new pilot project to better promote Australian Football in migrant communities. The game has a proud history of players with heritage from around the world, but with so many sporting options these days, it seems important that a coordinated approach is made to guide people to the great Australian game. The program also intends to reduce the isolation of new arrivals and help them feel part of Australian society. It is being run by the AFL's Nick Hatzoglou in conjunction with Football Victoria and the Department for Victorian Communities. Read more about it in Welcome to the AFL and the AFL's Multicultural page.

The volunteer South African development officer position continues a tradition of placements there going back several years, the most recent being Jack Arnold. With four local South Africans now involved in the expanding AFL South Africa program, a new development officer should find plenty of support but still a lot of challenges in helping footy's African adventure. Development is mostly focussed on some of the poor black communities and undoubtedly is a very rewarding experience, with a focus on creating self-sustaining structures. The position "has a special emphasis on training local recreation workers, expanding existing and developing new Australian Football competitions, assisting with recruitment and accreditation of umpires, coaches and administrators and supporting fundraising activities."