On Tuesday 16 November, in front of an audience of more than 900 guests and supporters, the AFL’s newest Club, officially unveiled its name - The Greater Western Sydney Giants.
“Being a Giant is about thinking big, living big and playing big! It’s about having the courage, commitment and determination to follow your dreams - sharing a bold ambition and taking risks to become the best that we can be. That is the origins of this club and will be forever part of our culture,” said Dale Holmes, Club CEO.
“The Greater Western Sydney Giants will become synonymous with the region, its spirit, determination and aspirations, seizing every opportunity to be a great Club in the future.
“This is a huge moment for the AFL, the Club, the players and the community. Over the last two years we have steadily built the foundations of a strong and vibrant club for the next 20 years.
“The Giants will be an exciting club to follow, creating opportunities and promoting optimism for kids in the region.”
The Giants underwent an extensive six month community campaign to determine the name and colours of the Club, involving on-line suggestions, school competitions and newspaper polls. More than 200 schools across the region, submitted over 7,000 suggestions, with the campaign receiving more than 20,000 suggestions from the public.
All the prospective names were assessed against stringent criteria, as well as comprehensive market research, internal and external stakeholder workshops, club workshops and focus groups to test the most popular names.
One of the recurring themes from the focus groups and stakeholder workshops was the collective pride and big aspirations of the region, as well as the progressive and inclusive nature of the people of Greater Western Sydney.
“We realised that if we wanted to capture the hearts and minds of the people of Greater Western Sydney we needed to have a bold and ambitious name – The Greater Western Sydney Giants are synonymous with the aspirations for the Club.
Twenty two of the Giants’ new players proudly took to the stage, revealing the Club’s two potential playing strips for 2011, and the Club’s colours - Orange, Charcoal and White, with NSW Blue to feature in the away jumpers.
Following the unveiling of two different playing strips, the Giants will again ask their supporters to make a choice and select their preferred jumper for the team to run out in 2011, through an online poll at www.gwsgiants.com.au .
In an historic night for the Club, the Giants also revealed its first co-major sponsor with Škoda Australia coming on board in a three year deal as the Giants’ top tier Premier Partner.
Škoda will also become the naming rights sponsor for the soon to be redeveloped Sydney Showground’s main arena, for all Giants games, from 2012.
Giants Chairman Tony Shepherd said that collaborative partnerships with key businesses were fundamental to the success and the long-term sustainability of the Club.
“To attract a multinational like Škoda, is a clear indication that corporate Australia is recognising the opportunity that exists in this booming region, and with the Club.
“This partnership is a great opportunity for both our brands, and we look forward to working closely with Škoda, our premier partner.”
The Giants will now embark on their first pre season as they prepare for the NAB Cup in February, and the community will get their first look at the team during their inaugural training session on Thursday 18 November at Blacktown Olympic Park, from 4pm.
Schools still playing AFL
The final day of Term 3 saw the inaugural Northern NSW Christian Schools AFL Gala Day held in Grafton. Fun was had all round and the day is already gaining momentum with many more schools expressing interest in 2011. Thanks to AFL School Ambassador, Dale Adams of St Andrew’s Christian School, Grafton for his initiative in co-ordinating the day.
Term 4 will see our development staff booking in schools for 2011 programs with schools getting in early to secure their preferred term, day and time. To get your school involved in one of our great programs throughout 2011 contact Danny McFadden (North Coast) at the AFL Office on 6658 4823 or Rachel Lowe (Mid North Coast) on 0457 389 504.
What a great In-School Auskick program, St Joseph’s, West Kempsey have been running for around 60 K-2 students. AFL’s Trainee, Aaron Boatfield, has these kids firing with some great skills on display and he’s been supported by Kevin & Rhonda from Macleay Valley Eagles who’d love to see the kids progress to a club in 2011.
Club Football
Club and League AGM’s have recently been held providing a chance to thank the great number of dedicated volunteers.
Among those to step back were Tony and Shirley Linnett who have spent years at the helm of the AFL North Coast Juniors growing it to a 7 team League with Auskick, U11/13 & U15. They’ve left the League in a great shape and will enjoy watching their legacy as they no doubt get down to Richardson Park each weekend.
Two Level 1 Courses for coaches from Auskick though to Seniors will be held prior to the season next year. Macksville (April 3rd) & Tamworth (April 10th) will be the location of these courses with further information to be sent to clubs and available in the coaching section of this Regional report.
Clubs and AFL fans will have a chance to see the best young footballers in the state, as BCU International Stadium once again hosts the Under 18 Joss State Zone Trials from January 17-20.
Auskick
During October functions were held to acknowledge the NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year in North West, North Coast & Mid North Coast.
Thanks to NAB for their sponsorship of these awards. We congratulate the winners:
North West – Jon Cox (Inverell Auskick)
North Coast – Wendee Cook & Dave Elliott (Northern Beaches Auskick)
Mid North Coast – Ronda Colliver & Kevin Ackerly (Macleay Valley Auskick)
2011 AFL National Coaching Conference – All coaches welcome!
The AFL is pleased to announce that the 2011 AFL National Coaching Conference will be held in Melbourne from Friday 28th – Sunday 30th of January 2011. The conference will begin at 7pm on Friday evening and conclude at 4pm on Sunday afternoon. An outstanding weekend of coaching seminars, workshops and presentations will be delivered by the greatest names and experts in AFL football. Click here for more.
2011 AFL NSW/ACT Coaching Courses
The 2011 AFL NSW/ACT Level 1 and 2 Coaching Course schedule is now available online. To view course dates and venues, and to register for a course please click here. Please read the requirements for completing accreditation for each of the course types (Level 1 Junior, Youth, Senior and Level 2).
WWW.AFLCOMMUNITYCLUB.COM.AU – You must visit this site!
All the coaching information you require regarding coaching at all levels of AFL football can be found in the coaching section of www.aflcommunityclub.com.au. All resources, skills and drills, video presentations, tactics and the latest coaching information is here for you at this site. Please visit the site to see what is on offer!
Call to Arms
The Call to Arms initiative provides an opportunity for community football leagues and clubs to raise awareness of men’s cancer and raise funds for The Cancer Council. This year’s Call to Arms initiative was very well supported by AFL clubs across the NSW and the ACT. 120 clubs participated in the program which is an increase of 21% from 2009. 120 clubs equates to 576 teams participating in the program.
So far over $90,000 has been raised by AFL clubs and a final total will be announced once all of the counting has finished. 59 clubs have banked their money so don’t forget to bank your money as soon as possible!
The highest fundraising club was the Temora Australian Football Netball Club.
Congratulations and thank you to all clubs who participated in 2010!