AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) are excited to announce further investment into the development of grassroots football on the Tiwi Islands.
Considered a traditional “heartland” of Australian Rules Football, the Tiwi Islands has a rich history in the game with several household names representing their community on the national stage, including three Norm Smith Medalists. Locally on the Tiwi Islands, AFL plays a significant part in the way of life for communities where people can come together, connect, and have a united purpose through the power of Australian football.
AFLNT’s additional investment, confirmed in partnership with the AFL Game Development Investment Panel (GDIP), aims to enhance and expand the capacity of grassroots football across the Islands. With a focus on increasing participation and building sustainable competitive pathways, AFLNT will work closely with the community to further enhance the role of football in the community.
The investment comes as part of the AFL Commission’s enshrined increase in the minimum level of annual funding committed to community football across the country.
The investment will be centred on the following outcomes:
- The development of a sustainable Tiwi Islands Football League with junior, youth, and senior competitions for all genders;
- Increasing the presence of AFLNT staff in the region through a new full-time position, casual employment, and greater connection with central services;
- The continued growth of Women & Girls football;
- Increasing participation opportunities through more game development activities such as NAB AFL Auskick and Schools programs;
- Programs that support the transition of more players into the Cazalys NT Academy Under 16 and Under 18 talent academies; and
- The development of a strong community football landscape that supports the long-term success of the Tiwi Bombers Football Club
Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson said “There’s no doubt about the importance of football to the Tiwi Community. Our aim with this investment is to create a long-term, sustainable impact on football at the grassroots level, ultimately creating more opportunities to be involved in our game.
Working closely with the community to build pathways on and off the field is also crucial to future talent outcomes and to supporting the Tiwi Bombers who are an integral part of the football ecosystem,”
Tiwi Island Football League board member, Mary Dunn shared her excitement about the investment “We are very excited about this investment into footy on the Tiwi Islands, we want to see our kids and youth get the same opportunities as kids anywhere and this will really help”
Member for Arafura, Manual Brown spoke of the benefit to the Tiwi Community "Everyone knows - AFL has been adopted as part of the Tiwi culture. This investment will benefit all Tiwi, different age groups - male and female; and give them the opportunities to excel in the sport from their own communities."