Inspirational stories from local football clubs around Australia will be shared across AFL Play platforms as the AFL launches its ‘More to Footy’ campaign ahead of the community football season.
The initiative, which showcases there’s ‘more to footy’ than the on-field experience, aims to highlight the incredible contributions made by volunteers, coaches, players and umpires as they reflect on their connection to the game and encourage others to get involved.
Going behind the scenes of local clubs – which all have a story built on history, values and the people who bring it to life – audiences will get an insight into the people who make local leagues thrive and why they love being involved in grassroots footy.
Showcasing that it’s not about your background, walk of life or knowledge about footy, seven locals hailing from New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland detail their unique story about finding meaningful connections.
One umpire who features in the campaign is Aka Tseng, who has been a goal umpire in the Northern Territory since September.
After moving to Australia from Taiwan 10 years ago and having no knowledge of the game, she said footy has given her a terrific group of friends and new skills.
“In the beginning, I didn’t know anything about AFL, so there has been lots of things for me to learn including better English, skills and the rules,” Tseng said.
“Being an umpire in AFL, it has helped me to connect with Australian culture and I’ve made lots of friends – I feel like it's a big family here.”
As the AFL strives to reach one million participants by 2033, it’s the thousands of passionate volunteers, local umpires, coaches and players around the country like Tseng who help football thrive and grow to ensure the game remains strong for the next generation.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said the ‘More to Footy’ campaign was all about recognising and celebrating the different ways people connect to football.
“Each week there are thousands of participants across communities all over Australia who give up their time for the love of the game, and through the ‘More to Footy’ campaign we want to feature their stories and recognise their contribution,” Auld said.
“Being connected to your local footy club, whether that’s through coaching, running the canteen or coordinating NAB AFL Auskick, it can help you feel connected to your community.
“We know it’s the people at clubs who create that sense of belonging, they are the heartbeat who establish and nurture inclusive environments for everyone to feel welcome – and as we strive to reach one million participants by 2033, the strength of our foundation is important.
“As we launch the ‘More to Footy’ campaign we’re encouraging those who might have an interest in getting involved in AFL to head to play.afl/moretofooty to start their journey, there’s many social and wellness benefits of being connected to footy.”
Stories featured in the campaign include:
Ki Ryan, Assistant Coach for Women’s Masters at Port Melbourne Colts
Simon Macgregor, Coaching Director at Lower Clarence Suns
Travis Anders, Coach and Volunteer at The Pioneers, Alice Springs
Cristelle Mulvogue, Vice President Collingwood Park Power AFC
Bronte Stray, Field Umpire for CAFL
Aka Tseng, Goal Umpire for the NTFL
Odelia Tham, Senior Women's Player for the Randwick City Saints
To learn more about the ‘More to Footy’ campaign visit play.afl/moretofooty
Cristelle Mulvogue, Vice President Collingwood Park Power AFC
CJ Mulvogue has done it all; Team Manager, Goal Umpire, Canteen Legend, Coach, Toilet Cleaner. Her passion for footy goes beyond the field, it’s about building a community where everyone belongs.
Whether it’s championing women in footy, fostering Indigenous representation, or making AFL accessible to all, CJ’s dedication to grassroots footy is undeniable. Inspired by her late father’s belief in giving back, she continues to make a lasting impact—one player, one family, and one club at a time.